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.