Hawaii’s Department of Health started investigating five cases of whooping cough within one family visiting from the mainland.
The infection has hospitalized a child.
None of the five people had a whooping cough vaccine:
They had all traveled from the mainland and stayed at a hotel on Oahu.DOH officials have not identified any close contacts after the family’s arrival, but they are working to notify travelers who were exposed.There have been nearly 90 confirmed cases of pertussis in Hawaii in the past five years, including 28 linked to three outbreaks.The last case was confirmed in March 2023.Pertussis — a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria — can cause severe coughing fits up to 10 weeks or more, followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in.
You know how you prevent whooping cough? You get the vaccine. I get not taking the COVID vaccine, a rushed vaccine that is pushed on everyone. But get the vaccines that have been around for a long time:
“The best way to protect you and your loved ones is to stay up to date with recommended whooping cough vaccines,” said DOH in the release. “Two vaccines used in the U.S. help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap.”Children younger than 7 years old get DTaP, while older children, teens, and adults get Tdap, DOH said, and those who are pregnant should get a Tdap vaccine during the third trimester to help protect their baby early in life.The department advises seeing a doctor as soon as possible if you or your child are experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, fever and violent and rapid coughs, struggle breathing, or turning blue or purple.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY