A recent rise in whooping cough cases in Tuscarawas County isn’t alarming, but health officials are asking folks to consider taking precautions.
Tuscarawas County Health Department Epidemiologist Erica Schreckengost says those include washing hands regularly, avoiding large crowds, and considering a pertussis vaccine, which is part of the vaccination requirements for school children but wears off over time.
Schreckengost says there were 20 suspected cases of whooping cough from April 1st to September 11th compared to just one last year.
Schreckengost says whooping cough symptoms include a distinct cough with gasps for air that sound like whoops, breathing struggles, sleep difficulty and vomiting during coughing fits.
She encourages people to see their doctor if they have symptoms and call the health department at 330-343-7755 if they’d like to schedule a vaccine appointment.
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