KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knox County Health Department said it's seeing an increase in pertussis infections.
The number of pertussis infections is more than five times what is seen in a typical year, according to KCHD. The increase is also being seen nationwide.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing. The coughing usually lasts longer than two weeks and has a distinctive "whooping" sound. Often, children will vomit after coughing and in rare cases, infants will stop breathing, according to KCHD.
The respiratory disease is passed from person to person, primarily through close contact, KCHD said.
Nearly all current cases are in children who are not vaccinated against pertussis, according to KCHD. The Centers for Disease Control said children who aren't vaccinated are eight times more likely to become infected compared to those who are.
“Infants are most at risk for severe disease, which is why it’s so important that the rest of us do everything we can to protect them,” KCHD Public Health Officer Megan Edwards said. “Although pertussis infections can be treated with antibiotics, the most effective treatment is prevention. Our best tool is for families and infants to receive a vaccine that has been safely administered for decades.”
Vaccines are available at KCHD. Appointments can be made by calling 865-215-5555.