Public Health Message From Dr. Karen Nardella

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As we head into the cold and flu season, we are seeing an increase in cases of various respiratory illnesses and other seasonal ailments. These include COVID, strep throat, atypical pneumonia “walking pneumonia,” sinus infections, common colds and other viral and bacterial illnesses.

Additionally, four members of our community were recently diagnosed with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. These individuals are undergoing the standard course of treatment, which includes antibiotics and rest. Anyone who has had close and prolonged contact has been notified as part of the Onondaga County Health Department’s contact tracing efforts.

Consistent with state and national trends, Onondaga County has seen an increase in reported pertussis cases in 2024 compared to prior years. Below, I am including a Q&A that provides responses to some of the most frequently asked questions about pertussis.

What is pertussis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness that often presents as a common cold. The condition is known by a “whooping” sound when a person gasps for air following a coughing fit.

What are the symptoms?

The CDC says early symptoms can last between one and two weeks and include the following:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
• Mild, occasional cough
• In later stages, the cough may become more persistent and severe.

Who is most at-risk for pertussis?

Complications of pertussis are more common in infants, young children and pregnant people. For most adults, the illness is disruptive and uncomfortable, but not life-threatening.

How does pertussis spread?

The bacteria that causes pertussis is spread through the droplets released into the air when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. For pertussis to spread, an individual must have close, prolonged contact with an infected individual.

How long does it take for an infected individual to display symptoms?

According to the CDC, some people have mild symptoms and don’t know they have pertussis but can still spread the bacteria to others. People can spread the bacteria from the start of symptoms and for at least two weeks after coughing begins.

How do you prevent pertussis?

The most effective tool against pertussis is vaccination, commonly referred to as Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis). Being vaccinated will not prevent you from getting pertussis but will limit the impact of the symptoms. Additionally, we recommend employing good health practices to help prevent the spread of communicable illnesses, including the following:

• If you’re not feeling well, stay home!
• Get your flu shot and COVID booster.
• Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer if you are not near a sink.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
• Do not share cups, utensils, lip balm, etc. with other people.

How is pertussis treated?

• Taking the prescribed course of antibiotics and staying home until you finish your antibiotics
• Drinking plenty of fluids and getting a lot of rest

What do I do if I think I have pertussis?

• For students, please contact the Barnes Center by phone, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 315.443.8000.
• For faculty and staff, please contact your primary care provider directly.

To learn more about what illnesses are going around, please visit the Barnes Center website. And to learn more about how to prevent, detect and treat pertussis, please visit the CDC website.

Sincerely,

Dr. Karen Nardella
Medical Director, Syracuse University Barnes Center, Health