AN OUTBREAK OF WHOOPING COUGH AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTIVE CARE

 The current epidemic of the whooping cough such as the California epidemic which has killed about 6 babies is perturbing public health officials who fear that periodic vaccination practices which might be contributing to hazardous cases of the preventable disease”  according to the article which was posted on the msnbc.msn.com.

Pertussis is also known as whooping cough, it is a very transmittable bacterial infection which is caused by Bordetella pertussis that attacks the respiratory system of the human body. It could cause severe problems in adults and children and it is particularly very dangerous for infant.

Symptoms of pertussis or Whooping Cough

After the incubation period which is generally 7 to 10 days, pertussis in young children or infants is identified mainly by mild respiratory infection signs like sneezing, runny nose, mild coughing (catarrhal stage). After 1 to 2 weeks, the coughing develops into unmanageable fits with every 5 to 10 forceful coughs, followed by high-pitched whoop sound when the patient finds difficult to breathe in afterwards (paroxysmal stage). Coughing fits patience might experience vomiting sensation or vomiting that could lead to malnutrition. Coughing fits could occur on their own or could be caused by stretching, yawning, laughing, yelling or eating; they generally occur in groups, with several episodes every hour continuously. Common complications of the disease include encephalopathy, pneumonia, seizures or earache. Infection in infants or newborns is mainly severe.

Complications seen in babies and infants

Besides the severe fever and terrible cough which presents with pertussis, the following problems are seen in young children, according to the article released by Mayo Clinic:

Pneumonia, Ear infections, Stopped or slower breathing, Seizures, Dehydration and Brain damage

It is always better to consult doctors in any of these symptoms are identified in your infants or babies

Questionnaires

• What are the symptoms of whopping cough and how it be prevented?
• What is the main cause for whopping cough?