January 18, 2025
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Rise in Kendall whooping cough cases has health professionals concerned

Olson: If you’re sick with a fever, stay home

By Joey Weslo
Kendall County Community Health Director Terri Olson explained the effects of receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to a county resident at the health department's vaccination site in Yorkville Jan. 28.

Kendall County Community Health Director Terri Olson explains the effects of receiving a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to a county resident at the health department's vaccination site in Yorkville. A rise of another highly contagious respiratory disease, whooping cough, is alarming health officials. The disease is highly dangerous to newborns and can easily be prevented with proper vaccination practices. (Shea Lazansky)

A rapid increase in a highly contagious respiratory illness is alarming health professionals.

Terri Olson, director of community health services at the Kendall County Health Department in Yorkville, said her department recorded 14 cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, across the county from August 2024 through mid-December 2024. She said the numbers are concerning because her department typically records as low as 1-2 cases for the entire fall/winter season.

Olson said severe disease is infrequent in healthy, vaccinated people. However, the virus poses the greatest threat to the most vulnerable.

“It is highly contagious, typically characterized by a series of violent uncontrollable coughing fits that can be painful and exhausting, followed by a whooping noise when the person breaths in air,” Olson said. “Infants, particularly those who have not received the primary vaccination series, are at risk for complications and mortality. Fatalities are occasionally reported among older children and adults with serious underlying health conditions.”

This is not isolated. Compared to 2023, the U.S. centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than five times the cases of whooping cough, and is most deadly for infant children and people with immune deficiencies.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough begin with a cough, but can quickly progress to more serious symptoms if treatment is not received.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough begin with a cough, but can quickly progress to more serious symptoms if treatment is not received. (Provided by The Kendall County Health Department)

Olson said after an infected person sneezes or coughs, the potentially debilitating bacterium spreads through the air in droplets. People are most contagious during the early stages of infection when symptoms may be as innocuous as a cough, runny nose, and a low-grade fever. Even after treatment, a cough may persist for serval weeks to months.

“The recent surge in cases is likely due to a combination of factors including decreased vaccination rates during the pandemic, waning immunity from previous vaccinations, increased social interaction post-pandemic leading to easier transmissions, and potential gaps in vaccination schedules, especially among pregnant women who should receive a booster shot to protect newborns,” Olson said.

Nationally, the C.D.C recorded more than 17,500 cases in 2024, more than five times the 2023 total.

Prior to the vaccine, more than 200,000 cases were reported nationally each year. With much higher vaccination rates, only 1,010 cases were recorded in 1976. Since then, as vaccination rates have decreased due to social trends, cases of whooping cough have increased.

The C.D.C. recorded 307 children, mostly newborns, dying between 2000 to 2017 from the disease.

Olson said an unfortunate byproduct of COVID-19 is the rise in distrust of vaccinations.

“People are different since the pandemic when it comes to providing education and support,” Olson said. “At the Kendall County Health Department a lot of education is offered on the history and value of vaccines. The health department is a place for everyone, free of judgement. We are here to provide resources, education, and vaccination for those who want it.”

Olson said the best way to lower cases of the disease is practicing strong hygiene habits and being up-to-date with the Dtap vaccine. In addition to the health department, vaccination is available at local doctors’ offices and drug stores.

Pregnant mothers and newborns are recommended to receive the vaccine.

Pregnant mothers and newborns are recommended to receive the vaccine. (Provided by The Kendall County Health Department)

All pregnant women are recommended to receive the vaccine during 27-36 weeks of pregnancy to protect both themselves and the life of their unborn child. Anyone in close contact with the newborn should also receive a booster shot.

The C.D.C. recommends a single-dose booster of Tdap for adults who did not receive one previously. Boosters are needed because immunity against whooping cough fades over time. Vaccines are provided on a schedule to protect infants and young children. Children are also recommended a booster at age 11-12.

Olson said it’s crucial to practice social distancing if you believe you are showing symptoms. Symptoms tend to appear 4-21 days after exposure. The bacterium incubates typically 7-10 days.

Testing is completed at local primary care physicians and urgent care sites. With proper antibiotic treatments, patients are typically no longer contagious after five days of treatment. If no treatment is received, a person is considered contagious up to 21 days after a cough begins.

“If you are sick with a fever, stay home until you have no fever for 24 hours without medication prevention,” Olson said. “Because it is so contagious, it is important to get the antibiotic and complete treatment so you can go back to work or school without spreading the germ. If there are several people in the household with close contact, all should receive the antibiotic treatment to prevent the spread.”