Pertussis: Importance of Prevention and Early Treatment

In 2025, a total of 367 cases of pertussis were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing.Early pertussis symptoms often resemble a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, or low-grade fever. Within one to two weeks, symptoms may worsen into severe coughing fits that can cause vomiting, extreme fatigue, or a high-pitched “whoop". Some people may have trouble breathing and require hospitalization. Since early symptoms are mild, diagnosis is often delayed, which can allow the illness to spread in homes, schools, and childcare settings. Early medical care and treatment with antibiotics can reduce illness severity and help prevent further spread. Pertussis is especially dangerous for babies and young children, particularly those who are not vaccinated. Symptoms can last for weeks, recovery may take months, and about one in three infants under one year who get pertussis require hospitalization. In Nebraska, infection rates in infants under one year and children ages one to six were higher in 2025 than in 2024. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis at any age. The DTaP and Tdap vaccines protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Children should receive the five-dose DTaP series at two months, four months, six months, 15 to 18 months, and four to six years of age, followed by a Tdap booster at 11 to 12 years. Adults who have never received a Tdap vaccine should get one, followed by a booster every 10 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that pregnant women receive a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks. This vaccine boosts antibodies passed to the baby before birth to help protect newborns until they can receive their first vaccine at two months of age.Anyone who has a cough lasting longer than one week, or who may have been exposed to pertussis and is experiencing symptoms, should stay home and contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. To learn more, visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html.

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