A positive case of whooping cough has prompted Binger-Oney Public Schools to cancel classes for all students in Oklahoma. The district aims to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe due to the highly contagious nature of the infection.
According to Dr. Edgar Boyd, President of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, cases of whooping cough are more than six times higher this year compared to the same time last year, according to the CDC.
The number of reported cases in Oklahoma has risen to 439 so far this year, with most being caused by a viral bacteria that can begin like a common cold but symptoms can last for months.
While Dr. Boyd attributes whooping cough’s resurgence to an increasing incidence of upper respiratory infections, he emphasizes the importance of immunization. “Whooping cough is something that children are normally immunized with,” he says, referring to Tdap, a combination vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
However, the immunization wears off every ten years, which may be why adolescents and adults are experiencing an increase in cases. To protect yourself, Dr. Boyd advises washing your hands often, as the infection is highly contagious.
In an effort to combat the spread of whooping cough, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on immunizations and take precautions such as frequent handwashing.
Source: https://okcfox.com/news/local/whooping-cough-oklahoma-school-binger-oney-shut-oklahoma-state-medical-association-tdap-pertussis