Tompkins County Health Warns of Rise in Whooping Cough and Walking Pneumonia Cases

Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) says they are seeing an increase in the number of residents becoming ill with two bacterial respiratory illnesses within Tompkins County. The two illnesses are Pertussis otherwise known as Whooping Cough, and M. pneumoniae, known as Walking Pneumonia.

TCWH says both cases have been on the rise nationally with Tompkins County seeing 13 cases of Whooping Cough so far this year, last year there were zero. TCWH added in their releases 7 of the 13 cases have been confirmed in the lab with the remaining 6 probable, but not lab confirmed.

For Walking Pneumonia, the illness is not tracked like other illnesses are. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) tracks the cases by reviewing discharge notes from hospitals. Discharge diagnosis data from the end of March through October shows an increase in all age groups throughout the country with a peak in August. Cases have been notably high in children.

TCWH says it is important to recognize the symptoms and take steps to keep yourself and others healthy. Steps include hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is recommended to seek medical care.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough start with cold-like symptoms such as fever and headaches, but will have a slowly worsening cough that can be severe enough where it takes weeks or months to recover from. Whooping Cough is extremely contagious for up to two weeks after the coughing begins. 

“Some people have mild symptoms and don’t know they have whooping cough, but they can still spread the bacteria to others. Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who do not know they are sick.”

TCWH said in a release.

The best way to protect yourself and others from Whooping Cough is by getting vaccinated.

Just like Whooping Cough, Walking Pneumonia is a bacterial respiratory illness. Infections impact the throat, windpipe and lungs with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Mild symptoms can mimic those of a chest cold such as feeling tired and having a fever or chills.

“Severe symptoms require medical help and include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma-like symptoms or worsening symptoms of asthma including increased asthma attacks, skin rashes, kidney problems, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Symptoms which are prolonged or are worsening should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider.”

TCWH continued in their release.

There is currently no vaccination for Walking Pneumonia, but antibacterial treatments can be prescribed.

TCWH Medical Director Dr. William Klepack stated, “Both of these diseases spread by sending droplets through the air when we cough and sneeze, just like influenza and COVID. If you seem to be getting sick, wearing a mask can help protect others. Staying home when sick, in addition to the advice above, also helps protect others. We are at greatest risk of respiratory infections during fall and winter.”