Wellfleet, Mass., December 19, 2024 – Outer Cape Health Services is alerting residents of the Outer Cape to a significant increase in cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. 26 cases have been reported by The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment this year, while the CDC indicates cases reported nationwide have returned to pre-pandemic highs. The disease is primarily, but not exclusively seen in children and adolescents.
“Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be particularly severe for infants and those with compromised immune systems,” said Gretchen Eckel, Associate Medical Director of Population Health at OCHS. “We urge Outer Cape residents to be vigilant and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones especially during the holiday season.”
Pertussis often begins with symptoms indistinguishable from a mild cold, including runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, sore throat, and what is initially a mild cough. After one to two weeks however, symptoms can escalate into a severe cough, along with a characteristic “whoop” sound upon inhalation.
Vaccination remains the most eYective defense against pertussis. OCHS recommends infants and children receive the DTaP vaccine according to CDC guidelines. Adolescents and adults are urged to get the Tdap booster, especially if they have not been previously vaccinated, if it has been more than 10 years since their last Tdap booster, or are in close contact with infants. Pregnant women should also receive the Tdap vaccine to confer immunity to their newborns.
Early antibiotic treatment post – exposure is eYective in not only reducing the severity of pertussis, but also preventing its transmission. Those diagnosed with pertussis should complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics. Close contacts of confirmed cases may also be advised to undergo prophylactic antibiotic treatment to prevent infection.
“By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, we can work together to reduce the impact of pertussis across the Outer Cape,” said Dr. Damian Archer, CEO of Outer Cape Health Services.
About Outer Cape Health Services:
Outer Cape Health Services is a community health center organization with locations in Harwich Port, Provincetown and Wellfleet. Our mission is to provide a full range of primary health care and supportive social services that promote the health and well-being of all who live in or visit the ten outermost towns of Cape Cod. OCHS cares for more than 18,000 patients annually, and no one is denied access to services due to an inability to pay. Founded in 1987 through the merger of Health Associates of Provincetown and the AIM Medical Center in Wellfleet, Outer Cape Health has a long history of successful growth and expansion in pursuit of this mission. Outer Cape Health Services, Inc. (OCHS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors representative of its community. All board members live on Cape Cod and the majority are OCHS patients.
For additional information about Outer Cape Health Services, click here.