The New River Health District is currently investigating a small number of confirmed and suspected cases of pertussis in Montgomery County. Some of the cases reported were in school-aged children. As part of the public health investigation, several people, including children, have undergone testing, treatment, and/or post-exposure antibiotics as recommended by the CDC.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease characterized by severe coughing. The disease can be particularly severe in children less than one year of age. Health District officials have noted that pertussis is considered endemic throughout the Southwest Virginia region, with cases routinely diagnosed in the area. While pertussis can be prevented through vaccination, protection from the illness may decrease over time.
According to the Virginia Department of Health, pertussis is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs. It can cause severe symptoms such as long periods of intense coughing that can last for weeks or even months. Pertussis can also lead to complications such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties.
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