HONOLULU, Hawaii – Five cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, have been confirmed among a family visiting Hawaii from the mainland United States, the state Health Department reported Thursday. One child from the household was hospitalized, and all five cases were unvaccinated, according to the Hawaii Department of Health. The family stayed at a hotel on Oahu.
According to the Hawaii Department of Health, whooping cough, caused by bacteria, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread easily from person to person through the air. The illness may start off resembling a common cold, but in later stages, severe coughing fits can last up to 10 weeks or more, accompanied by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in.
Children, especially infants, are at high risk for serious complications from whooping cough, but interestingly, infants may not exhibit coughing at all. Instead, they may experience turning blue or struggling to breathe. From 2019 to 2023, there have been 89 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis in Hawaii, including 28 linked to three outbreaks, according to the health department.
The best way to protect oneself and loved ones from whooping cough is to stay up to date with recommended vaccines, the DOH advised. In the US, two vaccines – DTaP and Tdap – are recommended to help prevent whooping cough. DTaP is for children under 7 years old, while older children, teens, and adults should receive Tdap. Additionally, pregnant individuals are advised to get a Tdap vaccine during the third trimester to protect their baby early in life.
The department also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, violent and rapid coughs, struggling to breathe, or turning blue or purple, to seek medical attention promptly. The Health Department is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other states to notify travelers who were exposed. Protective measures and timely vaccinations are crucial in preventing the spread of this contagious illness, especially within households and close-knit communities.