Schoharie DOH Warns of Whooping Cough Outbreak

SCHOHARIE — The Schoharie County Department of Health is alerting the public that pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise throughout New York State. More than 1,500 cases have been reported to the state since Jan. 1, 2024. As of Dec. 9, there are no reported cases in our own county.

“As a precaution, we are alerting residents on how to stay safe as this illness expands throughout our state,” said Schoharie County Department of Health Director Nicole Blanchard.

Infants, young children, and older adults are at the greatest risk of developing whooping cough. Children ranging from 10 to 19 years old account for more than 50 percent of New York cases. Those at highest risk for hospitalization are children less than 12 months old. Adults, aged 65 and older, accounted for more than 23 percent of the hospitalizations.  

Whooping cough often starts with symptoms of a common cold, but symptoms can last for weeks or months. Whooping cough is a very contagious serious lung infection causing coughing fits, according to the New York State Department of Health.  High-risk people who have come in contact with someone currently suffering from whooping cough, or if you experience a lingering cough for more than two weeks or have a violent cough that becomes more frequent as illness progresses should contact their primary care doctor by phone or email for further instructions and to be officially diagnosed.

The Schoharie County Department of Public Health strongly recommends infants, young children, pregnant people, and older adults get vaccinated. People who are vaccinated are less likely to develop a severe form of whooping cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children under 7 years old would receive a DTaP vaccine, while older children and adults would receive a TDaP vaccine. Infants and young children who are not up to date on their pertussis vaccines are at higher risk of developing serious complications, which may include pneumonia, rapid involuntary muscle spasms, and swelling of the brain,

Covering your cough and frequently washing your hands often is a very effective way to reduce the spread of illness.

You can contact the Schoharie County Department of Health by calling 518-295-8365 for more information.