Dangerous Bacterial Infection Spreading Through Colorado

This summer has been a doozy when it comes to viruses and diseases, especially in Colorado.

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Fears of disease transmission began back in May when multiple cows were found to have bird flu, which was a major cause for concern since it has been at such a high risk of spreading recently.

On the other hand, there was a report out in Longmont recently that somebody had  contracted West Nile virus. This was another cause for concern because Colorado led the nation in cases last year.

While viruses have been getting a lot of attention as of late, it’s a bacterial infection that is spreading throughout the state that is getting officials worried.

Whooping Cough Cases Tripling in Colorado

The Centers for Disease Control has issued a statement that is rather concerning for Coloradans; there has been a significant uptick in whooping cough cases.

At this time last year, there were a total of 90 cases reported in the entire state. This year, that number has ballooned to 333, which is more than triple the amount. 

What has many experts concerned at this point is that the disease can spread quite rapidly if allowed to.

What Are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough?

At first, it seems quite innocuous to be honest.

You’ll likely just feel like you have a minor cold, with a low grade fever, cough, and runny nose being present.

However, after a week or two, major symptoms start to become readily apparent.

After that point, mucus starts to build up inside your lungs and give you a severe cough that is followed by a noticeable “whoop” sound in the next breath. With that being said, it is worth noting that many people do not develop that signature whoop sound. 

This can lead to serious issues, like extreme fatigue, vomiting, and make people’s faces red or blue, like they are being asphyxiated. 

Who is At the Most Risk for Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough can be a serious problem for adults and adolescents, but the demographic that causes the most concern are infants.

If an infant gets whooping cough, there is a one and three chance they will have to be hospitalized.

What’s even scarier is that it is common for infants not to cough when they have it, instead just having majorly compromised breathing. 

Many people already have the vaccination for whooping cough, with most people getting immunized when they are 2, 4, and 6 months old.

However, vaccination rates have dropped in Colorado, from 93% of children in 2019 to 87% in 2023.