An exterior view of Rasmusson Hall. Photo courtesy of Google Earth.
As of Sept. 6, Alaska has reported 234 confirmed or suspected cases of pertussis in 2024, the highest number in nine years, according to the Alaska Department of Health. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection spread by air droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.
Early symptoms resemble those of a common cold such as a runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough, but can later develop into rapid, violent uncontrolled coughing fits that make breathing difficult, according to the CDC.
Dr. Valerie Krozel, MD, family doctor and director of the UAA Student Health and Counseling Center — abbreviated as SHCC — notes that pertussis can be a serious respiratory illness, especially for very young children, elders and others with a weakened immune system due to chronic disease or medications.
The SHCC provides services to diagnose, treat and protect against pertussis. If you are exposed to pertussis and develop symptoms, it would be important to seek medical care.
Krozel said, “We don't test everyone for pertussis that has flu-like symptoms but due to the local outbreak, we are much more likely to consider pertussis and test … Flu, Covid and other viral illnesses are still going to be much more commonly the reason for respiratory illness and symptoms.”
Pertussis tends to spike in cases every 3-5 years, as vaccine effectiveness wears off, according to the CDC.
The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccination — shortened to Tdap — is recommended to keep yourself, and others protected from pertussis.
“Protection with vaccination is important, but does not convey complete immunity. Studies indicate that more than 50% of adults with pertussis have few symptoms, but can pass on the disease. This is highly problematic when exposed to high risk populations like infants and elders,” said Krozel.
According to the Alaska Department of Health, the best way to protect against pertussis is to get vaccinated. A current Tdap vaccination is required to live in UAA campus housing, providing protection from pertussis for students living in close quarters.
Maya C., a first-year student and resident assistant at UAA campus housing, said she has not received communication from management to student residents about highly communicable illnesses, such as pertussis, during this fall season when upper respiratory infections are more common.
Maya said UAA does a good job making students aware of the services the SHCC provides, as well as keeping students living on campus safe and healthy. “UAA keeps common areas clean and sanitary,” she said.
If you are a UAA student and become symptomatic from a known exposure, you can call the SHCC at (907) 786-4040 to make an appointment to be evaluated.
Additionally, the SHCC offers Tdap vaccinations and boosters by appointment. Students are encouraged to stay informed and keep immunizations up to date.
The Docket app is an excellent resource for students living in Alaska to register, log in and view your immunization records.
The SHCC is located on campus in Rasmuson Hall 3416 Seawolf Drive, Room 120. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a closure on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. There is a $10 usage fee per visit according to the SHCC website.
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