Adair County Health System is more than just a hospital.
We have family practice clinics, specialty clinics, home care
and public health services along with paramedic level ambulance
services.
We provide all of these services to make sure that
everyone gets the care that they need close to home.
These services are supported by Adair County Memorial
Hospital Auxiliary and Adair County Health Foundation.
Adair County Memorial Hospital is located at 609 SE
Kent Street, which is just east of the intersection of
Highways 92 and 25. Our emergency department is
located on the north side of the hospital on SE Jackson
Street.
For more information call Adair County Memorial Hospital
Phone: (641)743-2123
Pertussis
(Whooping Cough) in Adair County
·
There has been one confirmed case of pertussis (aka
whooping cough) in Adair County.
·
What is pertussis?
Pertussis is a
disease caused by bacteria. It causes severe spells
of coughing. These spells can interfere with
eating, drinking and breathing. Pertussis can lead
to pneumonia, convulsions, inflammation of the brain
and sometimes death.
·
Who
can get pertussis?
Pertussis can occur
at any age. It is most common in infants less than
one year old, but anyone can get it. Pertussis can
be hard to diagnose in teens and adults because
their symptoms often look like a cold with nagging
cough.
·
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
Pertussis starts
like a cold with symptoms of runny nose and an
irritating cough. Within one to two weeks the cough
develops into coughing fits. The fits are a series
of violent coughs during which the victim struggles
for breath. A gasping for air, which produces a
high-pitched whooping sound, follows the cough. The
coughing fits occur more frequently at night, and
are often followed by vomiting. Between spells, the
person usually appears to be well. Adults, teens
and vaccinated children may have milder symptoms.
·
How
long is an infected person able to spread pertussis?
Without
treatment an infected person can spread the disease
form the time he or she starts coughing through 21
days after the start of the cough. After five days
of treatment with an appropriate antibiotic, an
infected person cannot spread the disease.
·
Can
a person get pertussis again?
Yes
·
How
is pertussis diagnosed?
A doctor may think a
patient has pertussis because of symptoms, but a
sample of mucus must be taken from the back of the
nose for testing. This sample is then sent for
testing to determine whether the patient has
pertussis.
·
What is the treatment for pertussis?
Treatment with an
appropriate antibiotic may help if given early in
the illness. Other treatments such as fluids,
oxygen, and mild sedation may help the child during
the prolonged period of severe coughing.
·
Should people who have been around a person with
pertussis be treated?
All household and
other close contacts of persons with pertussis,
regardless of age, should receive an antibiotic to
prevent them from becoming ill and spreading
whooping cough disease to others. Vaccination
status should be assessed.
·
How
can pertussis be prevented?
Pertussis may be
prevented through routine immunization. Pertussis
is spread through the air after an infected person
coughs or sneezes. Other people breathe in infected
droplets. Cover your mouth when you cough, stay
away from others when they are coughing, and wash
your hands frequently. Ask your healthcare provider
or public health department about vaccine for
adolescents and adults.
·
How
do you get the Tdap vaccine?
If you or a family
member need the Tdap vaccine please contact the
Adair County Public Health office at 641-743-6173.
