Health dept. officials warn of pertussis surge in Portage County

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT — Health officials are urging Portage County residents to be vigilant as cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, rise among both adults and children.

Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory disease, often begins with cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and a mild cough that worsens at night. In some cases, it progresses to violent coughing fits that can interrupt breathing, eating, and sleeping.

The characteristic “whooping” sound, which occurs as patients struggle to inhale, is a hallmark of the illness.

The Portage County Health Department has advised anyone exhibiting symptoms or with known exposure to pertussis to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Individuals who are tested for the illness are encouraged to stay home until their results are confirmed. Those with positive results should remain in isolation until they have completed five days of antibiotics or until 21 days have passed since the onset of symptoms.

Public Health Supervisor Lynn Frost stressed the importance of preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date. While vaccinated individuals can still contract pertussis, their symptoms tend to be milder, Frost said.

For more information, contact the Portage County Health Department at (715) 345-5749.