INDEPENDENCE, MO (KCTV) -
Officials have received a rise in the increase in the number of pertussis cases, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough.
In the past two weeks, the Independence Health Department has reported 15 confirmed cases of pertussis. This is more than seven times the number of cases that were reported last June.
Pertussis, a highly contagious disease, usually starts with cold or flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, fever and a mild cough. These symptoms can last up to two weeks and are followed by severe coughing attacks, which could last for just a few days or for many months.
Health officials say the disease can be spread by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others and breathe in the bacteria. Many infants who get whooping cough are infected by those who might not know they have the disease.
According to officials, the best way to prevent contracting pertussis is to get vaccinated. DTaP is the recommended pertussis vaccine for infants and children, and the protection can last up to five years.
Adults and teens who haven't received the Tdap vaccine should get it at least two weeks before coming into close contact with an infant.
For more information on pertussis and the Independence Health Department, click here.
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