There is an ongoing Pertussis (Whooping Cough) outbreak in The Dalles. The North Central Public Health District is urging locals to get vaccinated.
As of July 1, there were 16 cases of Pertussis reported in The Dalles.
The Health District has scheduled a free T-DAP vaccine clinic for Thursday, July 9. The clinic will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Dalles Middle School, and will offer free vaccinations to everyone seven and older who is not up to date on their T-DAP vaccine.
The clinic is especially focused on those who are not up to date on their T-DAP vaccination, those who work closely with people vulnerable to Pertussis, such as infants and young children, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and those without health insurance.
The NCPHD found the first cases of Pertussis in mid-June, confirmed in two school-age children who were attending Dry Hollow Elementary School in The Dalles.
Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. The severe cough, often referred to as “Whooping Cough”, can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits and/or vomiting.
Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems. Family members with pertussis, especially mothers, can spread pertussis to newborns.
The best way to prevent Pertussis among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Keeping infants and those at high risk for pertussis complications away from infected people is also important for prevention.
If you suspect your child may have been exposed to someone with Pertussis and your child has a cough:
If you suspect your child may have been exposed to someone with Pertussis and your child does NOT have symptoms:
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