The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) is seeing a rise in reported cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in the county. Since late August, the health department has received reports of more than adozen cases in adults and children, with more being tested weekly. These cases have been found in bothvaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. There has also been a rise in reports of whooping cough across the state and country in the past few weeks.

"Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but infants, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or other serious lung diseases, obesity, and chronic conditions are at the highest risk for severe disease," GTCHD Medical Director, Dr. Najibah Rehman says in a release from the health department. “In 2024, U.S. cases have increased back to pre-pandemic levels and are five times higher than in 2023. We are seeing a similar trend locally.”

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing droplets containing the bacteria. Initial symptoms may include a low-grade fever, mild cough, and sinus congestion, but can progress to severe coughing fits. After about a week, the infected person may experience violent, dry coughing fits that make it difficult to breathe. If you or your child develop coughing fits, vomiting during or after fits, or if your young child appears blue or stops breathing, it's important to seek medical evaluation for proper treatment. Infected individuals can spread pertussis up to three weeks after the cough begins.

Vaccinations are key to preventing pertussis. The GTCHD offers both DTaP and Tdap vaccines by appointment. If people have questions or want to schedule an appointment, they can call 231-995-6131 or talk to their primary care provider, the department says.