Whooping Cough Cases Nearly Double in South Carolina

Written by: Keya Gambhir

There’s been a big rise in whooping cough cases across South Carolina this year. According to new data from the South Carolina Department of Public Health, the number of people with whooping cough has jumped nearly 124 percent compared to last year. That means way more people are getting sick and doctors and health leaders want families to know how to stay safe.

As of now, there have been 551 reported cases of whooping cough across the state. Most of those cases have been reported in the Upstate area, but places like Lexington and Richland counties have also seen increases. In Lexington County, for example, there were fewer than five cases last July. This year, there have already been 17. In nearby Richland County, seven people have been diagnosed.

So what is whooping cough and why is it such a big deal?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a disease that affects the lungs and breathing. It is caused by bacteria and spreads very easily, especially in schools, childcare centers, and hospitals where people are close together. It starts like a regular cold with a runny nose or mild fever but after a week or two the cough gets worse.

The cough from whooping cough is very strong and comes in bursts. After coughing, people often struggle to breathe and make a “whoop” sound when they try to inhale. That is where the illness gets its name. It can last for weeks or even months.

Health officials say it is especially dangerous for babies and young kids who can have a hard time breathing during coughing fits. Some kids may even turn blue, faint, or need to go to the hospital.

Doctors recommend antibiotics as the main treatment. But here’s something interesting: they say not to use regular cough medicine to treat whooping cough. It does not help and might make things worse.

The best way to avoid getting whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The Tdap vaccine, short for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, helps protect people from getting really sick. It is not a perfect shield but it works really well and keeps most people from getting seriously ill. Kids usually get this vaccine as part of their regular shots when they are young but older kids and adults may need boosters.

With school starting again, doctors are worried that the illness could spread more quickly. Classrooms, lunchrooms, and playgrounds are full of opportunities for germs to spread. That is why now is a great time for parents to double-check that their children are up to date on their shots.

If someone starts coughing a lot or has trouble breathing, it is important to see a doctor right away. The earlier the illness is treated, the better the chances of a quick recovery.

So remember to wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and stay home if you are sick. And if you haven’t gotten your Tdap shot yet, talk to a parent or doctor. It is one of the best ways to stay healthy and keep your school safe this year.