Whooping Cough Cases on Rise in Williamson County

Williamson County, TX - Williamson County has become a national hot spot for reported cases of whooping cough. Health district officials say the numbers confirm just how big the problem is for Central Texas.

The medical staff at the Williamson County Health District is tracking what appears to be an outbreak of Pertussis. According to chief medical officer, Dr. Chip Riggins, it’s not exactly clear why so many cases of whooping cough are now being diagnosed. He suspects the problem has always been here.

"We think we are starting to detect what was always the baseline, but now we have a better test to show that in fact the disease really never goes away. It’s in the community,” said Dr. Riggins.

According to documents from the state health department, most counties do not seem to have a problem, but the number for Williamson County is staggering. There were more than 500 confirmed cases in 2009. So far this year there are 200 cases, with another 326 classified as probable.

"When you see those numbers, what do you think? I’m alarmed."

Lori Anderson was vaccinated after giving birth to her first child and said the number of whooping cough cases is alarming. Not only did her son get a shot, so did her husband.

"It wasn't really on my radar, it was one of the many shots he's had to have, didn't question it too much just got him the shots, its definitely more on my radar now after seeing the commercials recently about that,” said Anderson.

A PSA featuring Jennifer Lopez is now part of a nationwide campaign that was launched by the March of Dimes. In it she urges parents to not only vaccinate their kids, but also everyone in the family. As many as 20 infants die every year. But, anyone can get whooping cough. You can also still be contagious 5 days after starting antibiotics. As a result a domino effect can take place leading to a major outbreak.

Getting vaccinated is not a one shot deal for immunity. A booster shot is necessary. For adults the vaccine is called Tdap. It’s new and tied to tetanus booster shots.

"Talk to your doctor, asked your physician if he's got in your records the last time and what other adult immunizations you may be due for,” said Dr. Riggins.

The first symptoms usually appear 5 to 20 days after exposure. In adults, left untreated, the condition can last 3 months.

The hot-zones in Williamson County are in the urban areas. Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park and northwest Austin top the list of cases.

Williamson County Pertussis Updates

Sounds of Pertussis

Texas Department of State Health Services