Whooping Cough Cases Rise in Missoula Amid Severe Flu Season

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Missoula Public Health has notified KGVO News that pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is circulating throughout western Montana.

I spoke with Cindy Farr, Health Promotion Director on Friday about the rise flu cases and then in pertussis or whooping cough in the area.

Missoula Public Health says Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is Back

“We have definitely seen a really bad flu season this year,” began Farr. “By our account, it's probably the worst flu season that we've seen in about 15 years. So it's definitely out there. I believe that we've now passed our peak, so we should start to see a decline in flu cases. But what we are starting to see more of is pertussis or whooping cough.”

Farr described the hallmark signs of whooping cough or pertussis.

Farr Describes the Distinctive Sound of Whooping Cough

“The symptoms of pertussis last a little bit longer than the flu, and they do typically tend to be more serious and more cough-oriented,” she said. “That means if you have a persistent cough that's lasting more than two weeks, really bad coughing fits that are sometimes followed by an inspiratory ‘whooping’ sound. So you cough, cough, cough, and then whenever you're finally able to get air back into your lungs, it makes a big ‘whoop’ sound whenever you breathe back in.”

Farr encourages any adult who sees these symptoms in themselves or a child to contact a health provider as soon as possible.

“What we would like to see is, if you're having these kinds of symptoms that are really just kind of hanging on, and it starts with a very minor two or three days, you start feeling like you have a cold, and then the cough kicks in,” she said. “If you start having those kinds of symptoms, we really want you to seek medical care. I know that there is a Pertussis vaccine for children. It's called the Dtap, and for adults and teenagers and older children, it's called the Tdap.”

Farr Recommends that Everyone in the Family Get the Pertussis Vaccine

Farr reminded everyone that even with the Pertussis vaccine, many will still contract whooping cough.

“The Pertussis vaccine is not 100 percent (effective) and that's why a lot of times people that get pertussis have actually had the vaccine, and maybe they just don't get quite as sick as people who haven't had it,” she said. “So definitely check on your vaccination status. Make sure that you've had a pertussis ‘containing’ vaccine in the last 10 years. For children, make sure they got that initial series and that they're current on their vaccines. But even if you are current and fully immunized, definitely just still be aware that you could still get it.”

For details on pertussis vaccinations, contact Missoula Public Health at 406-258-3896, or click here (missoulapublichealth.org).