Hello KDHamptons readers,

Suffolk County’s Department of Health Services released a statement yesterday regarding an increase in Pertussis [Whooping Cough]. Suffolk County has reported 216 cases of Pertussis this year- a four fold increase from 2010. Several cases have been reported locally from various schools.

Pertussis is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis. Typically, the disease starts with cold symptoms but then leads to severe coughing spells. The coughing spells can last for many weeks or even months. Pertussis is spread by air droplets through sneezing and coughing and direct contact.  It is potentially life threatening in infants and young children who have not been immunized or in adolescents and adults whose immunity has waned.

KDHamptons: What should parents look for if their child develops “common cold” symptoms? How does one distinguish a viral upper respiratory infection from Whooping Cough [Pertussis]?
DR. KOT: Here are the clinical manifestations of Pertussis:

Stage 1 (Catarrhal)- rhinorrhea, cough, low-grade fever lasting 1-2 weeks.

Stage 2 (Paroxysmal) – spasmodic, severe coughing associated with an inspiratory ‘whooping sound’ often accompanied with vomiting and may last up to 6 weeks.

Stage 3 (Convalesence)- after appropriate antibiotic therapy, coughing episodes may persist to a lesser degree (‘cough of 100 days’).

KDH: How is whooping cough diagnosed?
DR. KOT: The diagnosis may be confirmed by serology, culture, or a nasopharyngeal swab for Pertussis by PCR. If positive, the antibiotics Erythromycin, Azithromycin, and Bactrim may be prescribed. Complications of Pertussis can include pneumonia, vomiting, dehydration, seizures, encephalopathy, apnea, and death.

KDHamptons: Is Pertussis preventable?
DR. KOT: Prevention with the DTaP vaccine, early treatment and prophylaxis with antibiotics, and isolation of infected patients will reduce disease transmission.

**FINAL NOTE:  seek medical care if you or your child develop violent, uncontrollable coughing associated with a ‘whooping sound’ and vomiting.

*If you need urgent care, visit Dr. Kot at:

Southampton Urgent Medical Care (SUMC)
609 Hampton Road
Southampton, NY
631.204.9600 phone [no appt. necessary]