HELP US STOP THE SPREAD OF WHOOPING COUGH IN MESA COUNTY
by Diana Williams | Dec 20, 2017 | News
- Five new cases of pertussis have been reported in Mesa County since Dec. 13, 2017, bringing the total case count to 17 since Nov. 1, 2017.
- Cases range in age from one to 55 years. Median age of cases is 16 years and 94 percent of cases were reported in residents younger than 19.
- Young adults between the ages of 16 and 18 who received the Tdap vaccine at ages 11 or 12 should consider getting a Tdap vaccine as soon as possible.
- Anyone 18 years or older should also consider getting a Tdap vaccination if it has been more than two years since they got a Tdap vaccination.
- Anyone spending time with a baby should receive a dose of Tdap. Babies who get whooping cough often get it from unvaccinated family members.
- Pregnant women should receive a Tdap dose during the third trimester of pregnancy. Getting this dose during each pregnancy can indirectly protect your baby or babies from whooping cough.
- Practice good handwashing and stay home if you’re sick.
- Mesa County Public Health investigates cases of whooping cough, along with 80 other communicable reportable conditions in Colorado, to help public health officials identify trends, track cases and prevent outbreaks.
- The Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) Clinic offers DTaP and Tdap vaccine to all patients, regardless of ability to pay. Call (970) 248-6900 to make an appointment.
- MCPH accepts all major health insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare and the Children’s Health Insurance Plan.
- MCPH also has programs for those without insurance.
