Fitima Garcia, biological scientist with the epidemiology program with the Department of Health Monroe, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about communicable disease education.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis is definitely a communicable disease.
Garcia said, “It is a serious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It causes violent coughing spells that make it hard to breathe. IT spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It’s super contagious, especially in close contact, like schools and homes.”
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
Garcia said, “First it feels like a cold, runny nose, low fever, mild cough, but then the cough gets worse, fits of rapid coughing followed by a loud whoop sound as the person gasps for air. Vaccination is key. Kids get DTaP and adults or teens get Tdap boosters. It’s especially important for anyone around babies.”
Babies with pertussis may not cough at all.
Garcia warned, “They can just stop breathing. That’s why vaccinating caregivers is called cocooning to protect the baby by vaccinating those around them.”
Mumps is another communicable disease.
Garcia said, “Mumps is a contagious viral infection that affects the saliva glands, especially the ones near your ears, making your cheek swell. That one is transmitted through saliva or mucus, kissing, sharing, drinks, sneezing. College dorms and schools are hot spots when people aren’t vaccinated. Symptoms include swollen cheeks or jaw, fever, headache, muscle aches and trouble chewing or swallowing.”
How can mumps be prevented?
Garcia said, “With the MMR vaccine, it protects against mumps and it’s given to in two doses during your childhood. Mumps was once a leading cause of deafness in children before vaccines, and now it’s mostly preventable.”
Rubella is another communicable disease.
Garcia said, “Rubella is a contagious viral infection known for its red rash. It’s usually mild in children, but very dangerous during pregnancy. It is transmitted through droplets, when coughing or sneezing. It can also be passed from mother to own unborn baby. Symptoms are mild fever, pink eye, swollen glands and a fine pink rash starting on the face and spreading. Some people don’t have symptoms at all. The MMR vaccine can prevent it. Two doses during childhood protect most people for life. Before the vaccine, rubella caused widespread birth defects. Today, it’s eliminated from the US thanks to vaccines.”
For more information, click here: https://monroe.floridahealth.gov/