Suffolk County’s Department of Health Services has reported an increasing number of Pertussis [Whooping Cough] cases on Long Island since 2010.  KDHamptons medical correspondent, Dr. Mark Kot [above] explains, “Pertussis is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis. Typically, the disease starts with cold symptoms but then leads to severe coughing spells. The coughing spells can last for many weeks or even months. Pertussis is spread by air droplets through sneezing and coughing and direct contact.  It is potentially life threatening in infants and young children who have not been immunized or in adolescents and adults whose immunity has waned.”

KDHamptons: What should parents look for if their child develops “common cold” symptoms? How does one distinguish a viral upper respiratory infection from Whooping Cough [Pertussis]? 
Dr. Kot: Here are the clinical manifestations of Pertussis:

Stage 1 (Catarrhal)- rhinorrhea, cough, low-grade fever lasting 1-2 weeks.
Stage 2 (Paroxysmal) – spasmodic, severe coughing associated with an inspiratory ‘whooping sound’ often accompanied with vomiting and may last up to 6 weeks.
Stage 3 (Convalesence)- after appropriate antibiotic therapy, coughing episodes may persist to a lesser degree (‘cough of 100 days’).

KDHamptons: How is whooping cough diagnosed?
Dr. Kot: The diagnosis may be confirmed by serology, culture, or a nasopharyngeal swab for Pertussis by PCR. If positive, the antibiotics Erythromycin, Azithromycin, and Bactrim may be prescribed. Complications of Pertussis can include pneumonia, vomiting, dehydration, seizures, encephalopathy, apnea, and death.

KDHamptons: Is Pertussis preventable?
Dr. Kot: Pertussis can be prevented with the DTaP vaccine, early treatment and prophylaxis with antibiotics.  Isolation of infected patients will reduce disease transmission.  Seek medical care if you or your child develop violent, uncontrollable coughing associated with a ‘whooping sound’ and vomiting.

*If you need urgent care, visit Dr. Kot seven days a week at: Southampton Urgent Medical Care (SUMC), 609 Hampton Road, Southampton, NY; 631.204.9600 phone [no appt. necessary]