If you're looking for information on pertussis in Oregon, look no further. The state of Oregon's Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division has just published the "Pertussis in Oregon" webpage.
State health officials are asking all counties to provide this link on the county website and share with partners: http://1.usa.gov/PertussisOregon.
According to the Mayo Clinic's website, pertussis is whooping cough and it can become active in a patient several weeks after being exposed.
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Once you become infected with whooping cough, it can take one to three weeks for signs and symptoms to appear. They're usually mild at first and resemble those of a common cold:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Red, watery eyes
- A mild fever
- Dry cough
After a week or two, signs and symptoms worsen. Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may:
- Provoke vomiting
- Result in a red or blue face
- Cause extreme fatigue
- End with a high-pitched "whoop" sound during the next breath of air
However, many people don't develop the characteristic whoop. Sometimes, a persistent hacking cough is the only sign that an adolescent or adult has whooping cough.
When to see a doctor
Call your doctor if prolonged coughing spells cause you or your child to: