13 cases of whooping cough reported in the province
The Mpumalanga Department of Health has observed an increase in Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, among children who are younger than five years, and particularly among little ones younger than a year old.
According to the department of health in Mpumalanga to date, 13 cases across the province were reported.
Pertussis is a highly contagious illness and vaccine-preventable disease caused by a germ known as Bordella pertussis. The disease is spread when a person with pertussis sneezes, cough or breathes. The germs that cause pertussis live in a sick person’s nose, mouth and throat and are in droplet of mucous or saliva. A person can get pertussis when droplets from the sick person get into the mouth, nose or eyes.
The main signs and symptoms of pertussis are as follows:
• Initial signs and symptoms are similar to the common cold and may include nasal congestion, runny nose, mild sore throat, mild dry cough and minimal or no fever.
• Days later, the cough can become more severe and is characterised by episodes of paroxysms (severe attacks of coughing) followed by a whooping sound and/or vomiting after coughing. Paroxysmal cough may last 1 to 2 months.
• Adolescents and adults who are previously vaccinated may also present differently with minimal symptoms such as a sore throat or a persistent cough.
The public is advised to be on the high alert if anyone or child is experiencing or developing cold-like symptoms including a cough and runny nose, to immediately consult the nearest health facility to get medical help.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with pertussis by a doctor or healthcare facility should avoid mixing with other people especially infants and pregnant women to prevent the further spread of the disease.
