Yuma county health district warn community about cases of whooping cough
YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma County Health District wants to warn the community about cases of the whooping cough going around.
During this season where illness continues to spread it's important to know what symptoms to look out for and how to prevent yourself from getting sick.
“Pertosis is also known as whooping cough, and it’s a respiratory infection, that is contagious, and it’s because it’s caused by a bacteria named Bordetella Pertussis," says Cynthia Espinoza, Yuma County Public Health Epidemiologist.
The whooping cough is contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
It can start with a regular cold, but after a week the cough can get very severe and can be followed by vomiting or the classic whoop sound.
Espinoza says, “it is suspected to see more cases around this time of the year, that said, it’s something that we take very seriously, because pertussis can become dangerous for kids.”
One local shares how they prevent getting sick.
“When the winter season comes around, it’s normal when things like that happen, especially for me, so I do a lot of aromatherapy, and a lot of essential oils," says James Rodriguez, local.
The health district adds a couple ways to avoid contracting the virus.
“The main thing is stay up to date on vaccinations, know your vaccination status, stay home if your sick," explains Espinoza.
If you are experiencing a cough for more than a week the health district advises the community to contact your healthcare provider.
