Two continuous pests: Pertussis and West Nile Virus

Even though summer is ending, health officials continue to stress the importance of protecting oneself from two serious health conditions — West Nile Virus and Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough.

Pertussis

California’s epidemic of Pertussis, or whooping cough, continues to spread and California health authorities are reminding parents to vaccinate children.

As of Tuesday, there have been 3,311 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of pertussis reported in 2010 — seven times more than the number of reported cases during the same time period in 2009 when only 454 cases were reported.

The current number is the most cases reported in 52 years since the 3,837 cases reported in 1958. Previously, the peak had been in 2005 when there were 3,182 cases reported.

This year, 169 people have been hospitalized, of the 1,393 known hospitalized cases, with 101 of them being infants under three months of age and 127 infants under six months of age. Eight deaths have been reported, seven of them infants under 2 months of age at the time of disease onset who had not received any doses of pertussis-containing vaccine. One was a 28-week preemie that was 2 months of age who had received the first dose of DTaP vaccine 11 days prior to disease onset. The majority of infant cases in 2010 have occurred in infants younger than 3 months of age.

Rates are highest in infants younger than 6 months of age, in adolescents aged 7-9 years and 10-18 years.

Tulare County has had 52 confirmed cases, including seven from the Porterville and Lindsay area.

In addition to the childhood pertussis immunizations, CDPH now recommends an adolescent-adult pertussis booster vaccine (Tdap) for anyone 7 years of age and older who is not fully immunized, including those who are more than 64 years old; women of childbearing age, before, during, or immediately after pregnancy; and to any person who has contact with pregnant women or infants.

“Considering that immunity from pertussis vaccine or disease wears off and that most adults are susceptible to pertussis, now is the time for Californians to get immunized to protect themselves and their families,” said Chávez. “In particular, all family members and caregivers of infants should get the booster vaccine.”

At Porterville Family HealthCare Network, Director of Operations of Clinical Services Nancy Banuelos said they are constantly screening patients and offering the immunizations to newborns, adolescents and adults, on an as-needed basis.

“We have had a lot of upper respiratory symptoms but nothing that has been a scare for us,” Banuelos said. “We have not had any confirmed cases of Pertussis.”

West Nile Virus

The Tulare County Department of Public Health is advising residents that it is still important to properly protect oneself from West Nile Virus as the current number of individuals who have contracted West Nile Virus in Tulare County stands at three — two from the Porterville area and one from the Visalia area.

Additionally, Tulare County has confirmed positive WNV infection in one horse, nine dead birds, and two sentinel chickens.

“The risk of serious illness from contraction of West Nile Virus to humans is low,” said Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County Public Health Officer. “In fact, most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness, but it is very important that individuals take the proper health precautions and follow proper health tips.”

Approximately 20-percent of individuals infected with West Nile Virus will have mild to moderate symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches, weakness and nausea. Less than one percent of individuals will develop serious neurological illness such as encephalitis and meningitis. The elderly and those with lowered immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness.

West Nile Virus are transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. While there is currently no vaccine or treatment for humans, Dr. Haught said individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking precautions, including using DEET, an insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older. Other precautions include wearing clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure, making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes and replacing or replacing screens with tears or holes.

In addition, since mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, all sources of standing water, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls should be eliminated. Use mosquito fish or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae in residential ponds.

Reporting “green” standing water, such as ponds, or neglected swimming pools, is also recommended, and residents are encouraged to report dead birds or squirrels that are thought to be possibly infected with West Nile Virus.  

To make a report of this, visit www.westnile.ca.gov or call 1-877-WNV-BIRD, or 1-877-968-2473.