WILLITS – There has been one laboratory confirmed case and several clinically diagnosed cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, reported in the Willits area.

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory tract infection. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, it may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants.

Whooping cough is characterized by severe spasms of coughing that can last for several weeks to months. It is most contagious before the coughing starts in the cold-like stage. It is contagious from person to person when coughing or sneezing.

The symptoms of Whooping cough begin like the common cold; with runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe mild cough or fever, but quickly progress to severe coughing.

Among vaccine-preventable diseases, pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring in the United States.

The childhood vaccine for pertussis is called DTaP. Children are immunized with four doses of DTaP by 15 months. A Tdap booster is recommended for all ages 11 and older. Protection from pertussis from the vaccine fades over time. It is recommended that adolescents and adults be revaccinated every 7 to 10 years.

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated, adults and children. To prevent the spread, cover your mouth when you cough.

DTaP and Tdap vaccinations are readily available by your family’s physician or pediatrician, and the county Community Health Center’s Immunization Clinic. Call your local health care provider to find out if anyone in your family needs their vaccinations.