Greene County Public Health

Melissa Branum, MS, MBA, MPH, RN, RS, Health Commissioner

Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

Press Release
For Immediate Release
March 3, 2016

Contact: Laurie Fox, Public Information Officer

937-374-5669/866-858-3588; lfox@gcph.info

Pertussis Whooping Cough Cases Reported in Greene County

XENIA, OH As of March 3, 2016, there are four (4) confirmed positive cases of pertussis in the BellbrookSugarcreek School District. Greene County Public Health continues to work with Bellbrook-Sugarcreek
schools, physicians, and the community to identify and notify students and residents that have possibly been
exposed.
If you or your child has been around someone with pertussis, you may become sick with pertussis (whooping
cough) as well. This is especially true when you or your child has not received all the pertussis vaccine
shots. Sometimes even if your shots are up to date, you may still be able to get pertussis.
PERTUSSIS is also known as whooping cough because of the whooping sound that is made when gasping for
air after a fit of coughing making it hard to breathe. Coughing fits due to pertussis infection can last for up to
ten (10) weeks or more.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by cough. Pertussis begins with cold
symptoms and cough, which becomes much worse over 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually include a long series of
coughs (coughing fits) followed by a whooping noise. However, older children, adults and very young
infants may not develop the whoop. There is generally only a slight fever. People with pertussis may have a
series of coughs followed by vomiting, turning blue, or difficulty catching breath. The cough is often worse at
night and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough.
If you or your child comes down with any of the above symptoms including a cough, talk to your Health Care
Provider without delay. Pertussis can cause serious illness in babies, children, teens, and adults and can even be
life-threatening, especially in babies. Approximately, half of babies less than 1 year old who get pertussis need
treatment in the hospital.
Pertussis is generally treated with antibiotics, to control the symptoms and prevent infected people from the
spread of the disease. If you or your child has been diagnosed with Pertussis, complete the antibiotic regimen
before returning to work school or community functions, to reduce the spread of the disease. People who have
or may have pertussis should stay away from young children and infants until properly treated. Treatment of
-contd360 Wilson Drive Xenia, Ohio 45385
(937) 374-5600 toll free (866) 858-3588 Fax (937) 374-5675
www.gcph.info

Greene County Public Health

Melissa Branum, MS, MBA, MPH, RN, RS, Health Commissioner
Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

people who are close contacts of pertussis cases is also an important part of prevention.
Some simple basics to keep pertussis from spreading:
Wash your hands with soap and water
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Dont share cups or silverware
Stay away from others until evaluated by physician
If you are behind in your immunizations, call your Health Care Provider or your local Health Department.
For more information, please call Amy Schmitt at (937) 374-5638 or Dr. Don Brannen at (937) 374-5660 at
Greene County Public Health or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.
Greene County Public Health
Your Trusted Local Public Health Authority Since 1920
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360 Wilson Drive Xenia, Ohio 45385

(937) 374-5600 toll free (866) 858-3588 Fax (937) 374-5675
www.gcph.info