The Public Health Idaho North Central District is reporting a rise in respiratory illnesses including Pertussis in the region.
According to a news release, to prevent the spread of illness to others, it is important to stay home when you are ill, unless you are seeking care with your primary care provider Additionally, remember to use respiratory etiquette; including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, disposing of used tissues, and washing hands frequently and thoroughly.
For those displaying symptoms of Pertussis or who have been exposed to a case, it’s important to reach out to your primary care provider to arrange for testing and treatment.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a communicable disease that is spread through the air from an infected person during coughing, sneezing or talking. Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms and a cough that becomes progressively worse over 1-2 weeks. Coughing usually happens in long bouts, sometimes followed by a whooping noise. Antibiotics can make the disease milder in those infected and will prevent the transmission of the illness to others. Individuals exposed to pertussis should also be given antibiotics to prevent the disease, even if they were vaccinated.
Anyone with questions can Public Health – Idaho North Central District at 208-799-3100.
