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1. What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?

Whooping Cough is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It is easily spread from person to person through close contact. It is a very serious illness in infants. For more information please visit the Riverside University Health System Website.

2. What are the symptoms of Whooping Cough?

Infants: Signs of a cold, runny nose, poor feeding. May not have cough or fever. After a few days may develop respiratory distress (trouble breathing).

Adolescents and Adults: Symptoms start with a cough and runny nose for 1 - 2 weeks, then followed by severe coughing for weeks to months. For more information please visit the Riverside University Health System Website.

3. How can the public protect themselves?

Make sure children are up-to-date on their Immunizations. Obtain a Tetanus booster (Tdap) especially close contacts of unvaccinated infants, pregnant and post-partum women. Cover cough and wash hands frequently. For more information please visit the Riverside University Health System Website.

4. When should vaccine be given?

-Routine schedule: 2 - 4 - 6 Months, 12 - 15 Months, 4 - 6 years of age
-Accelerated schedule: 1st dose at 6 weeks, 2nd and 3rd dose at 4 week intervals

The protection of the vaccine decreases by the time children finish middle school, so adolescents and adults need booster shots for whooping cough. For more information please visit the Riverside University Health System Website.

5. Where can the public obtain Tdap?

The public should contact their health provider to discuss vaccinations. Vaccinations are also available through the Riverside County Public Health Clinics. Call 800-720-9553, for clinic locations.

6. How many cases have been reported in Riverside County?

-Between January 2010 through June 24, 2010, 35 cases have been reported in Riverside County - compared to 17 cases for the same time period in 2009.
-There were 64 cases reported in 2005, compared to 25 in 2004.

For more information please visit the Riverside University Health System Website.

7. Have there been any deaths in Riverside County?

No deaths have been reported at this time. For more information please visit the Riverside University Health System Website.

8. What is Riverside County DOPH doing to address the problem?

-Conducting enhanced surveillance
-Investigation of cases
-Promoting and offering vaccinations
-Providing recommendations to the medical community
-Testing, treatment and vaccinations

For more information please visit the Riverside University Health System Website.