New York health officials warn of whooping cough outbreak among children

Health officials have identified an outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) on Long Island, New York.

On December 30, 2023, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott issued a statement stating that the county's health department is tracking an increasing number of pertussis cases.

An outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) has been reported on Long Island, New York, according to health officials.

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According to the announcement, the "vast majority" of the 108 documented cases involve children and parents from local school systems.

The majority of the patients were vaccinated and experienced just minor symptoms. 

There have been no hospitalizations reported thus far.

"With so many respiratory illnesses currently circulating, some for which there is no treatment, we wanted to make sure that parents know that pertussis, also called whooping cough, can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early," stated Pigott in a news release.

"Whooping cough can be very serious for infants too young to be vaccinated, which is why we are alerting both medical providers and the public that this illness is circulating." 

What is Whooping Cough?

Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory tract illness, is more commonly known as "whooping cough" due to the intense hacking cough that some people get.

While the vaccine protects children against severe sickness, newborns who are too young for inoculation are the most vulnerable, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In addition to the cough, the initial symptoms are similar to those of a cold, including nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, and red, watery eyes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms worsen with time, often resulting in intense and uncontrollable coughing fits that terminate with a "whooping" sound when the patient breathes in due to a buildup of mucus in the airways.

Who is most at risk?

Infants are most susceptible to severe disease and life-threatening complications from whooping cough, such as disrupted breathing, pneumonia, convulsions, and, in rare cases, death. 

"Pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems, and older adults are also more susceptible to severe symptoms," Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, a private supplement company, told Fox News Digital.

"The condition becomes dangerous when it leads to severe coughing spells that cause difficulty breathing, vomiting or interrupting normal breathing patterns in infants."

Each year, there are around 24 million instances of pertussis worldwide, with 50,000 in the United States, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor.

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for pertussis, and they work best when provided early. 

As indicated by Siegel, azithromycin is the most commonly used medication for children, while doxycycline is administered for adults.

"It's also important to manage symptoms, especially in severe cases," he said. "This might include hospitalization for infants or those with severe symptoms to monitor and treat complications."

What causes outbreaks?

Siegel observed that cases of whooping cough reduced throughout the pandemic.

"They are increasing more now as our immune systems are exposed to viruses and bacteria we haven't seen and are slower to respond," according to him.

Dubinsky found that whooping cough epidemics generally occur in populations with poor immunization rates.

"Pertussis is highly contagious, and in areas where herd immunity is not strong due to insufficient vaccination, the disease can spread more easily," the reporter told Fox News Digital.

"Additionally, the immunity from the vaccine or previous infection wanes over time, which can also contribute to outbreaks."

According to Dubinsky, vaccination is the most effective strategy to combat and contain outbreaks.

"The DTaP vaccine for children and the Tdap booster for adults and adolescents are crucial," she told the audience.

The Tdap vaccine is recommended for pregnant women during each pregnancy since it protects the newborn until they can obtain their own vaccines, Dubinsky added. 

Siegel agreed that the vaccine is effective in reducing severity, but he added that even vaccinated people can develop a moderate case of cough and congestion.

During outbreaks, Dubinsky emphasized the importance of excellent hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and covering coughs with tissues or elbows. 

"Isolating infected individuals is another key step in preventing the spread," she said.

Suffolk County health officials urge that anyone diagnosed with whooping cough stay home from work or school until they have finished five days of antibiotics.

Due to the potential severity in young newborns and individuals with compromised immune systems, it is crucial to seek medical attention if pertussis is suspected. Dubinsky stressed.