ealth Department (SWNPHD) has confirmed three cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Southwest Nebraska. SWNPHD is working with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Epidemiology on monitoring these cases and providing pertussis education in the nine county health district.
    Pertussis is known as “whooping cough” because of the “whooping” sound that is made when gasping for air after a fit of coughing, especially in children. Symptoms will vary by age groups.
    “We are watching these whooping cough cases very closely. Our concern is that pertussis in its early stages appears to be nothing more than the common cold, it is often not suspected or diagnosed until the more severe symptoms appear.” explained Melissa Propp, RN, SWNPHD Surveillance Nurse.
    According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent whooping cough among infants, children, teens and adults is to get vaccinated.

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