DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- A warning from the Dayton and Montgomery County Public Health Department (PHDMC) Friday as Whooping Cough is on the rise. The department said the number of cases within the last three months is more than double than all of 2022. Whooping Cough first appears as a common cold but if your cough is becoming more serious, are having trouble breathing, or are having trouble keeping fluids down, you should call in professional, medical attention.
The Dayton and Montgomery County Public Health Department said Pertussis, or Whooping Cough, is on the rise.
“All throughout last year in 2022, there were 13 cases," said Dan Suffoletto with PHDMC. "Now, we’re seeing 30 cases in the past three months.”
Suffoletto told Dayton 24/7 Now's Gwyneth Falloon there have been a total of 44 cases in Montgomery County so far this year, including the 30 from the last three months. This is the most since 2019.
“We do see increases in respiratory diseases, things like the Flu, RSV, COVID, during months when people tend to gather indoors, so that’s part of it," he said. "Also, once it gets into the community, it can spread very, very easily.”
Whooping Cough is also a respiratory disease. Doctors, like Scott Kanagy with Premier Health, warned it’s highly contagious, saying the most vulnerable are our youngest.
“It’s just physiologically their airway and how small their little airways are," said Dr. Kanagy. "Unfortunately, the inflammation and the bacteria in those areas just make them more susceptible than an adult who has a larger airway.”
This is why they said not only should children be vaccinated, but parents and especially grandparents, too.
“They potentially could be carriers that may just be a common cold for them, but could potentially spread it to their youngest grandchildren," Dr. Kanagy cautioned. "That could cause problems.”
Dr. Kanagy said it often first appears as a common cold, before progressively worsening.
“Anybody that is struggling to keep down fluids, breathe, or talk, should definitely seek treatment sooner rather than later," he recommended.
Whooping Cough is treated with antibiotics but it is very contagious so doctors said you should finish the medication before going back to your normal day-to-day. You, and your kids, should also be practicing healthy habits like washing your hands regularly and covering your cough or sneeze. This will help reduce your risk.
