Pertussis Resurgence: Maine Health Officials Sound Alarm As Cases Surge

As the nation battles a resurgence of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, Maine health officials are sounding the alarm, urging residents to get vaccinated and take precautions to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. Pertussis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, and even death, particularly in infants and young children.

Maine has seen a significant increase in pertussis cases in recent months. According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 188 confirmed cases of pertussis reported in the state so far this year, compared to just 23 cases during the same period in 2022. The majority of cases have been reported in children under the age of 5, who are most vulnerable to the disease.

Pertussis Symptoms and Complications

Pertussis typically begins with mild, cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and low-grade fever. Within 1-2 weeks, the characteristic coughing fits develop. These coughing fits can be severe and prolonged, lasting for several minutes at a time. In infants, the coughing fits can be so violent that they can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even seizures.

Pertussis can lead to a number of serious complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and middle ear infections. In severe cases, pertussis can cause brain damage, seizures, and even death. Infants are at the highest risk of developing complications from pertussis, and they are also more likely to be hospitalized or die from the disease.

Vaccination: The Best Protection Against Pertussis

The best way to protect against pertussis is to get vaccinated. The pertussis vaccine is safe and effective, and it is recommended for all children and adults. The vaccine is typically given as a series of 5 shots, starting at 2 months of age. Booster shots are recommended at ages 4-6, 11-12, and 19-26. Adults who have never been vaccinated or who have not received a booster shot in the past 10 years should also get vaccinated.

The pertussis vaccine is very effective at preventing the disease. However, it is not 100% effective, which is why it is still possible for vaccinated people to get pertussis. However, vaccinated people are much less likely to develop severe complications from the disease.

Preventing the Spread of Pertussis

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are a number of other things you can do to prevent the spread of pertussis. These include:

Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
Staying home from work or school if you are sick
Avoiding contact with people who are sick

If you think you may have pertussis, it is important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Pertussis Outbreak in Maine

The recent outbreak of pertussis in Maine is a reminder of the importance of vaccination and prevention. Health officials are urging residents to take the following steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from this potentially deadly disease: