Buncombe County reports 11 whooping cough cases in May

ASHEVILLE — Eleven confirmed cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been reported this month in Buncombe County.

The number has increased since the county's Health and Human Services Department reported four lab-confirmed cases of pertussis earlier this week.

"We urge caregivers and individuals to understand that this is a very contagious infection and we all have a part to play in keeping our community’s health strong," county Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore said in a news release. "By staying up-to-date on immunizations, you and your family can protect yourselves and vulnerable members of our community – infants, pregnant women and those who have weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.

"A pertussis infection can be especially devastating and even deadly for these individuals which is why we must all pitch in to create a shield of protection with immunizations."

Symptoms of whooping cough? 

Symptoms include severe coughing fits, a high-pitched so-called whooping sound when taking a breath or vomiting after coughing fits for at least two weeks.

Anyone with pertussis should stay home from school, work and group activities until they have finished five days of antibiotics to stop the spread of illness, according to the county.

The department also promoted "practicing good health habits," including frequent handwashing and covering the mouth and nose during sneezing and coughing.

Officials said pertussis immunizations are available from healthcare providers and from the county's immunization clinic at 53 S. French Broad Ave. Walk-in immunizations are offered between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, with check-in no later than 4:30.

Henderson County reported a pertussis outbreak late last year, with nearly 50 reported cases in December.

More information can be found at buncombecounty.org/immunize.

More:Buncombe vaccination religious exemptions quadruple state average