In recent weeks, there have been fifteen reported cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the town of Brookline, Massachusetts. The first positive case was identified at Brookline High School on June 5, followed by an additional case at Runkle School. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and can cause serious illness in young children and infants. Initial symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough followed by strong, uncontrollable coughing spells where the person makes a 'whooping' sound when they inhale. The symptoms can last up to six to ten weeks.
Public health officials urge residents to ensure they and their children are up-to-date on their vaccines. The vaccine for children under seven is called DTaP, and for those over seven, it is called Tdap. Tdap vaccines are required for all Massachusetts students entering the seventh grade, with boosters recommended every ten years for adults.
Pregnant women should also get the Tdap vaccine after 27 weeks of their pregnancy to protect them and their newborns from pertussis. Anyone who may be around a newborn should also get vaccinated to prevent transmission.
High vaccination rates do not necessarily prevent outbreaks, as many vaccines are effective at preventing severe disease but don't always prevent infections.
Whooping cough can spread easily from person to person through droplets from the nose, mouth, and throat or sprayed into the air when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The risk of public infection remains low.
Public health officials remind residents that vaccination is the best way to protect against pertussis. They encourage everyone to stay informed about their vaccination status and take necessary precautions to prevent transmission.
