Whooping Cough on the Rise in Champaign County

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) reports a rise in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, throughout Champaign County. Most of the reported cases so far have occurred among high school and university students. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pertussis cases are increasing nationwide, with over six times the number of cases reported this year compared to 2023. We are seeing a similar trend in Champaign County, with a total of 26 cases reported so far this year.

Pertussis is a very contagious illness that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, especially in households and indoor settings where people are in close contact with someone who has pertussis. Symptoms typically appear five to 10 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. The illness often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold—runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever—but can progress to severe coughing fits ending with a “whooping” sound. In some cases, it can lead to complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. Pertussis poses the greatest risk to infants, young children, and unvaccinated individuals. People that have been vaccinated against pertussis may have milder symptoms, but it is important to know that they can still spread it to others. If you or a loved one develop symptoms of pertussis, especially after being in close contact with someone diagnosed with the illness, contact your healthcare provider right away.

To prevent further transmission, patients diagnosed with pertussis must avoid daycare, school, work, and public gatherings for at least five days after starting appropriate antibiotic therapy. While most individuals recover completely, complications can be severe for high-risk groups, particularly infants under one year and children who are not fully immunized.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends antibiotic treatment for specific close contacts of someone with pertussis, even if they were recently vaccinated. Close contacts include household members or anyone who has had direct exposure to respiratory, oral, or nasal secretions, or has been within three feet of the infected individual for at least five minutes.

Staying up to date with routine vaccination is the best way to protect against pertussis. Most children are immunized against pertussis with a series of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine doses, but immunity wanes during adolescence. Since 2005, the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) booster vaccine has been available for children, adolescents and adults. It is recommended routinely at ages 11–12.

Vaccinating women with Tdap during each pregnancy, ideally in the early third trimester, is critical to protecting newborns. This practice shields 9 in 10 babies from hospitalization due to whooping cough during their first months of life when they are too young to be vaccinated.

Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose, followed by a booster every 10 years to maintain protection.

CUPHD provides pertussis vaccines and boosters to individuals of all ages, Monday through Friday, at 201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign. To schedule an appointment, call 217-531-4317.

Taking the following daily actions can also help stop the spread of germs:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
• Stay home and away from others if you feel sick.
• Avoid being around others who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do the same.

For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html.