Wisconsin Rapids, Wis (WFHR, WIRI) – Wood and Portage Counties are seeing an increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases in both adults and children. The Wood County Health Department has reported 15 cases since July 20, 2024. In a typical year they usually see just one case, if any per year. Statewide numbers are showing similar increases.

Initial symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses. People can experience a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, occasional cough and low grade fever. Whooping cough can then progress to a more serious cough that can interrupt breathing, eating and sleeping. Such a coughing spell often ends with a loud “whooping” sound on inhalation, giving the illness its name. These symptoms may persist for several weeks or months and can vary with age.

If you or someone you know shows symptoms of whooping cough, contact your health care provider or your county health department, particularly if high risk individuals are affected. This includes infants under one year old, adolescents between 10 and 20 years of age, pregnant people – especially in the third trimester, people who have a chronic respiratory illness, and all those not vaccinated against pertussis – regardless of age.

Prevention measures include frequent, thorough hand washing, covering all coughs, staying home when sick or feverish and ensuring you and your family are up to date with vaccines. It is still possible to contract whooping cough even if vaccinated, although the likelihood is reduced and symptoms will typically be more mild.

Wood and Portage Counties hold monthly vaccination clinics for uninsured or underinsured children and adults. For more information or to make an appointment for the next clinic, contact the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8911 or the Portage County Health Department at 715-345-5350.

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