Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is currently being investigated by the New River Health District in Montgomery County, Virginia. The district has confirmed and suspected cases among school-aged children and other individuals.
As part of the public health investigation, several people have undergone testing, treatment, and/or post-exposure antibiotics as recommended by the CDC. According to the Virginia Department of Health, pertussis is a highly contagious disease characterized by severe coughing that 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 vaccination can prevent pertussis, protection from the illness may decrease over time.
If you would like more information on pertussis or any other health concerns, please visit our website or contact our office for assistance. Stay informed with the morning’s biggest stories delivered to your inbox daily at noon. Copyright 2024 by WSLS 10 – All rights reserved.
