In Palm Springs Dr. Clifton Cole tells us he saw a patient he suspects may have whooping cough. A person with a new cough lasting over two weeks should see a doctor. He says when adults under 65 get their tetanus shot, it usually includes pertussis, or whooping cough. But if you haven't ad a tetanus booster in 10 years, you should ask about immunizations for both tetanus and pertussis.
Whooping cough is also getting a lot of questions at Dr. Daniel Fraschetti's pediatric practice in La Quinta. As a reminder, it is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection, with symptoms that include a severe, hacking cough, followed by a high pitched "whooping" noise. Infants six months and younger who have not received all three doses of the vaccine, and children who are overdue for their boosters, are at the most risk. "Once the diagnosis is made, treatment of the patient and exposed family members is essential," explains Family Nurse Practitioner Gabrielle Schwilk. Whooping cough was a leading childhood illness in the early 20th century, "however thanks to vaccinations, cases had declined dramatically," says Schwilk. "Recently, whooping cough is on the rise again, possibly due to adults and adolescents not getting periodic boosters and young children not getting immunized." Children get the "DTap" vaccine at ages 2, 4, 6 months, between 12-18 months, followed by a booster at 4 years old, Schwilk tells us. The "Tdap" vaccine is given once children reach age 11, and for adults is given every ten years afterward. "Check with your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you have been immunized and to find out how to get the vaccine." They're also seeing a lot of swimmer's ear.
Dehydration is a big issue right now in Indio. PA Mitchell Claire reports lots of people who are working or spending time outside in the heat coming in for fatigue and dizziness. Drink as much fluid as you can handle, wear sunscreen and a hat, and stay in the shade. Even if it's overcast outside, you can get dehydrated. Gastrointestinal viruses are also going around, adds Dr. Arthur Davis. This flu, affecting both the stomach and intestines is causing vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and bloating. Since this can contribute to the dehydration, Dr. Davis recommends taking Lactobacillus acidophilus….to build up the intestines with so-called "good" bacteria. Drink lots of water with electrolytes to replace minerals. And avoid spicy foods, oils, caffeine, and animal fats including milk products.
In the far east part of the valley, gastroenteritis and heat exhaustion seem to be waning at the Mecca clinic. Dr. Randolph Gibbs reminds us the key is to recognize the symptoms of dehydration as early as possible, and then treat it! He's also seen several cases of allergic contact dermatitis which usually responds to topical steroids, antihistamines and burrow solution compresses.
Summer colds and flus are common complaints among elementary school-age children in Coachella. Symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, and low grade fever. This bug lasts between 7 to 10 days. Ear infections caused by a bacterial infection are also going around. There's not a whole lot you can do once you get it, although antibiotics can sometimes help. Motrin seems to work a little better than Tylenol in these cases. PA Eric Sloan is also reporting cervical lymphadenitis from a cat scratch or other infection. This swelling of the lymph nodes is usually treated with antibiotics.
Dr. Stephen Steele reports treating three confirmed cases of pertussis, or whooping cough in La Quinta. Two of the children involved were pre-teen age...one child passed on the pertussis to a parent. The main symptom here is an accordion-like cough, which comes on so strong you think you're going to pass out. He suggests one reason we're seeing this outbreak, is that we've gotten a little lax with shots, especially with adults. He's also treating a patient who may have mumps. This is a virus that causes a sudden onset of pain and swelling in the jaw or the front of your ear, and comes with a fever.
Dr. Sara Azar says she's surprised at the number of summer pneumonia cases she's seeing in Rancho Mirage. "While more common in winter, serious respiratory infections can occur any time," says Dr. Azar. Patients had high fever, a productive cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. "We treated these with antibiotics but some patients even failed this and needed hospital admission. Contact with sick people can cause these infections so be mindful of sick contacts even in the summer." Viral gastroenteritis refuses to go away in this part of the valley. Dr. Azar says she is still seeing cases and are advising plenty of fluids, rest, and judicious hand washing.
Watch "What's Going Around" every Tuesday evening on KPSP Local 2 News at 6:00 p.m. and every Wednesday morning on KPSP Local 2 This Morning at 6:45 a.m.
