By 1808Delaware
The Delaware County Health District (DCHD) has issued a health alert following increased reports of respiratory illnesses this season. With trends mirroring national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Ohio Department of Health (ODH), healthcare providers and residents are urged to remain vigilant. Rising cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19 signal a return to pre-pandemic respiratory infection patterns.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae on the Rise
M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia has steadily increased over the past six months, particularly in Delaware County’s schools and childcare settings.
- Clinical Signs:
M. pneumoniae commonly causes pneumonia and acute bronchitis. Laboratory testing, especially among hospitalized children, is recommended to guide treatment. - Treatment Protocols:
First-line antibiotics like macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) are effective, as M. pneumoniae is naturally resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin).
Healthcare providers should closely monitor patients presenting with symptoms of pneumonia and ensure appropriate testing and treatment protocols are followed.
Bordetella pertussis Returns to Pre-COVID Levels
Delaware County has reported 70 suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of B. pertussis (whooping cough), contributing to Ohio’s total of 1,416 cases this year.
- Diagnostic Challenges:
Early diagnosis is difficult and requires nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates for laboratory confirmation. RT-PCR testing is the preferred method for a timely diagnosis. - Isolation Guidelines:
- Cases treated with antibiotics must isolate for five days after starting therapy.
- Untreated cases require isolation for 21 days from symptom onset or until the paroxysmal cough resolves.
- Vaccination Reminders:
While vaccine-induced immunity can wane, staying up-to-date with pertussis vaccinations is crucial. Vaccination reduces severity even in breakthrough cases.
Respiratory Viruses in Focus
Delaware County is experiencing low influenza-like illness activity, but moderate overall respiratory illness levels as RSV cases rise locally and nationally.
- Key Trends:
- COVID-19: Stable activity in most areas.
- Influenza: Slight increases among children nationally.
- RSV: Rising activity, especially in young children in central and eastern U.S. regions.
Residents should anticipate heightened virus circulation in the coming weeks and take precautions.
Health District Recommendations
To curb the spread of respiratory illnesses, the Delaware County Health District advises the following:
- Testing and Isolation:
- Isolate if experiencing respiratory symptoms until 24 hours after fever resolution (without fever reducers) and symptom improvement.
- Seek testing for suspected pertussis, pneumonia, RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 when appropriate.
- Preventative Measures:
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with others if feeling unwell.
- Vaccinations:
Residents are strongly encouraged to get seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce the severity and spread of illness.
Community Resources
For further information or assistance, residents and healthcare providers can contact the Disease Control and Response Unit at 740-368-1700 or email [email protected].
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
