Results for: Contagious disease

Whooping cough (pertussis) cases have been increasing in countries like the U.K., Australia, and China, while the U.S. has not experienced a similar surge. This infection is caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis* and is highly contagious. It is spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 5-10 days after exposure and include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough, followed by violent coughing fits. Babies and young children are at a higher risk of serious complications, such as hospitalization, pneumonia, and encephalopathy. Vaccination is recommended for children and adults to prevent pertussis and reduce the severity of symptoms if infected.

West Virginia has reported its first known case of measles since 2009, with an adult patient testing positive for the viral infection. The health department is working to identify and notify those who came into contact with the patient, who had partially vaccinated against measles and developed symptoms after recent international travel. Officials are concerned about the potential spread of the highly contagious disease, which can lead to serious complications. Nationwide, measles cases this year have nearly doubled compared to 2023, prompting health experts to emphasize the importance of vaccination and quarantine measures to prevent its spread.