Adirondack Health taking precautions against pertussis-like illness

SARANAC LAKE - Adirondack Health is taking precautions to protect infants from the recent local increase in pertussis-like illnesses by restricting visitors to the birthing center at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

Infants are among the highest at-risk group for complications from pertussis.  For the protection of the infant, only the father or significant other is being allowed to visit the birthing center at this time.  There are no other visitor restrictions at AMC; however, individuals with a cough may be asked to wear a mask in certain areas of the hospital or in a doctor's office.

According to the New York State Department of Health, pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial infection that causes an uncontrollable, violent cough lasting several weeks or even months. Complications from pertussis can be severe for infants and children.  The pertussis bacteria can be found in the mouth, nose and throat of people who are healthy. However, when this healthy person comes in close contact with a susceptible infant or young child, those same bacteria can now cause the child to become sick. 

Pertussis can occur at any age. Pertussis may begin with cold-like symptoms or a dry cough that can progress into episodes of severe coughing.  Children who are too young to be fully vaccinated and those who have not yet completed the primary vaccination series are at highest risk for severe illness.
Individuals who think they or their child may be experiencing the symptoms of pertussis should contact their doctor.

Adirondack Health operates community health centers in Keene, Lake Placid and Tupper Lake.  For more information, call (518) 891-4141.

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	AMC is accredited by the Joint Commission. Click here to view the Joint Commission Public Notice.
	AMC is accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program.
	Adirondack Medical Center's Bariatric Program and Dr. Michael Hill have been designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.