We have seen an increase in pertussis activity in Nye County since September 2017. The increase in activity was seen first in northern Nye, most recently in Southern Nye County and Pahrump.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacteria that are transmitted when a person with pertussis coughs and you breathe in that air.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After cough fits, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which result in a “whooping” sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old and older adults.
The best way to protect against pertussis/whooping cough is by getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that for adults who did not get Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough) as a preteen or teen, get one dose of Tdap in place of a Td dose to boost protection against whooping cough. You can have a whooping cough vaccination at any time, even if you have recently had a tetanus shot.
Tdap is a vaccine that has been in use for many years and is a very safe vaccine.
For more information you can get the vaccine information sheet at this website:
Tdap vaccine will be available during the Mobile Dental Van Project Clinic in Beatty on June 13, 2018, from 12 p.m. (noon) – 5 p.m. Transportation to Beatty is available. Contact your Senior Center Director if you are interested in attending the Mobile Dental Van Clinic in Beatty on Wednesday, June 13th.
The shingles vaccine will also be available.
All insurance plans will be accepted. Vaccines will also be provided for uninsured adults. Uninsured adults will be asked for an administration fee of $20 for the first injection and $8 for each subsequent injection; however, no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
Thank you for doing your part to make Nye County a healthier community.
Maureen E. Budahl RN, BSN
Nye County Health Officer