Avera expert sheds light on whooping cough outbreak causing USD game cancellation
The recent cancellation of a University of South Dakota (USD) football game has been attributed to an outbreak of whooping cough in the community. Dakota News Now reported that an Avera expert provided insights into how this highly contagious disease led to the decision to cancel the game.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory infection that causes severe coughing fits accompanied by a distinctive “whooping” sound as patients struggle to catch their breath. The disease can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems.
Dr. David Erickson, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Avera Health, explained that the decision to cancel the USD game was made in an effort to prevent the further spread of whooping cough among players, staff, and spectators. He emphasized the importance of identifying and isolating cases of the disease to contain its transmission.
Erickson also highlighted the effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine in preventing the disease and urged individuals to ensure they are up to date on their immunizations. He stressed the need for community-wide efforts to protect vulnerable populations from whooping cough and other vaccine-preventable illnesses.
The outbreak serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by communicable diseases and the importance of vaccinations in safeguarding public health. Avera Health and other healthcare providers continue to monitor the situation closely and work towards containing the spread of whooping cough in the community.
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