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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Whooping cough cases rise in Tennessee, nationwide

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Tuesday, November 26, 2024   

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is making a comeback and a Tennessee medical expert stressed the preventable, highly contagious bacterial infection requires urgent attention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, year-to-date, Tennessee has recorded more than 200 cases, while more than 25,000 cases have been reported nationwide.

Dr. Anthony Flores, professor of pediatrics and director of pediatric infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said rising cases are largely due to vaccine hesitancy, and taking action now is essential to combat the serious illness.

"I think of our severe cases that we're seeing here in Tennessee, and nationwide as well, almost all of those severe hospitalized cases are in unvaccinated children," Flores explained. "I think the lower vaccination rate, kind of the periodicity with which we see whooping cough come back and surges, are contributing to the current numbers we're seeing."

Flores noted typical symptoms include a runny nose and low-grade fever, although fever is less prominent. The cough can develop and persist for weeks, becoming particularly bothersome in older children and adults. The name "whooping cough" comes from the severe coughing fits, which cause difficulty breathing, followed by a "whoop" sound as the afflicted person gasps for air.

Flores pointed out in newborns, especially before they begin receiving their initial vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months, their protection relies solely on the antibodies passed to them by the mother during pregnancy.

"In pregnant women, it's actually recommended that if they haven't received a booster, that they receive a booster in their third trimester, and that's again to pass on those antibodies to the newborn baby," Flores emphasized. "But then what can protect them from severe disease?"

Flores recommended children receive the whooping cough vaccine as part of their routine immunizations. He added as they grow, they get booster shots, and adults receive a different formulation called Tdap every 10 years to maintain immunity. He added it is important to follow a schedule to prevent waning immunity over time.


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