HONOLULU (KHON2) — Health officials have confirmed another case of whooping cough on the Big Island, and they say it is unrelated to other recent cases.
A total of 11 have been found since March.
Health officials say these cases were not the result of travel-related exposure, which means it’s spreading around the community.
DOH strongly recommends staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations.
They say young children should be vaccinated to prevent the spread to those who are too young to be fully vaccinated.
CDC recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause pertussis and other respiratory illnesses:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw away used tissues in a waste basket right away.
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow if you don’t have a tissue
Never cough into your hands as germs can be spread this way.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Pertussis vaccination can usually be obtained from a primary care provider such as a pediatrician, family physician, internal medicine physician, or nurse practitioner.