Whooping cough and Norovirus cases are on the rise, with local doctors attributing this year’s numbers to a combination of factors. According to Dr. Randy Del Mundo, an internal medicine physician at Ochsner in Prairieville, one reason for the increase is that people have become less vigilant about practicing good sanitation.
“Norovirus is highly contagious,” Dr. Del Mundo explained. “Once you touch it, you ingest it and it can cause severe illness.” The doctor notes that there has been a significant increase in Norovirus cases over the past five years, while whooping cough cases have trended higher over the last decade.
One major concern is that adults are not getting vaccinated against whooping cough as often as they should. In fact, only 30% of adults report getting vaccinated in the last decade, according to the American Lung Association. Dr. Del Mundo emphasizes the importance of adult vaccinations, particularly for grandparents, who can easily pass the illness on to their grandchildren.
The doctor also notes that older adults are becoming more susceptible to whooping cough, which can lead to serious complications. For both Norovirus and whooping cough, early medical attention is crucial in preventing severe outcomes. Symptoms of these illnesses include abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea for Norovirus, and coughing fits with a distinctive “whooping” sound for whooping cough.
To mitigate the spread of infections, Dr. Del Mundo advises seeking medical care sooner rather than later if symptoms arise. Fortunately, virtual consultations are now available through Ochsner Health’s website, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes.
Source: https://www.wafb.com/2025/01/30/whooping-cough-norovirus-cases-soaring-doctors-explain-why