The Santa Rosa County Health Department has identified 30 cases of pertussis (commonly known as “whooping cough”) in our community since February, with numbers increasing significantly in May and continuing to rise in June.    Eleven of these cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing, and 19 have been clinically-diagnosed or are close contacts of a lab-confirmed case.  In addition, the health department is investigating 12 other cases who are residents and staff at an assisted living facility.   

Because this disease can be very serious, even fatal, to infants younger than 12 months, the health department is in contact with the individuals who may have been exposed and is working to control this outbreak and prevent further spread of the illness.  The health department has advised infected individuals to seek treatment from their personal physicians, and has recommended they remain at home while being treated with antibiotics.  In addition, the health department is providing updated information and guidance on pertussis testing to local health care providers.

 

For more on this story, including symptoms of whooping cough and precautionary measures, see the June 18 issue of the Navarre Press, or subscribe online.