Two different bacterial respiratory illnesses are on the rise in the greater Cortland area, Tompkins County Whole Health warns: pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, and M. pneumoniae, commonly known as walking pneumonia.
Cases are on the rise nationally as well as locally. Tompkins County has had 13 cases of pertussis from January to the end of October, from none last year. Walking pneumonia is not tracked in the same way that other illnesses are – the Centers for Disease Control tracks these cases by reviewing hospital discharge notes. The M. pneumoniae discharge diagnosis data from March 31 through October 5, 2024, show an increase among all age groups across the United States, peaking in August, and remaining high. The increase was notably highest among children.
“Both of these diseases spread by sending droplets through the air when we cough and sneeze, just like influenza and COVID,” said Dr. William Klepack, medical director of Tompkins County Whole Health. “If you seem to be getting sick, wearing a mask can help protect others. Staying home when sick, in addition to the advice above, also helps protect others.”
Proper hand-washing and covering of coughs and sneezes are simple, important steps to reducing the spread of these and other respiratory illnesses, the department reports. If you or a family member experience symptoms, seek medical care.
Pertussis can begin with cold-like symptoms (such as fever and headache), but includes a slowly worsening cough that can become severe and take weeks or months to recover from. Whooping Cough is highly contagious from the start of symptoms and for up to two weeks after coughing begins.
Whooping Cough is treated by antibiotics, but the best protection is vaccination, the health department reports. Infants and children through age 6 should receive the DTaP vaccine, and preteens should receive the Tdap vaccine. In New York State, DTaP is required for attendance at registered daycares and public elementary schools, and Tdap is required for entrance to middle school or high school.
Walking Pneumonia is also a bacterial respiratory illness. Infections from the M. Pneumoniae bacteria sggrvy the throat, windpipe and lungs, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. In its mild form persons may recover without medical professional help. Mild symptoms mimic those of chest colds, including feeling tired, having a fever or chills, headache, sore throat and worsening cough. Younger children may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes and wheezing.
Severe symptoms require medical help and include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma-like symptoms or worsening symptoms of asthma including increased asthma attacks, skin rashes, kidney problems, and encephalitis. Prolonged or worsening symptoms should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider. Antibiotics may be prescribed if needed, but walking n pneumonia has no vaccine.
