Springfield-Greene County Health (SGCHD) has seen an increase in influenza and pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in the community.

Over the last three weeks, Greene County flu cases have nearly doubled. January 2025 saw one of the highest rates of flu in the county since 2003.

Additionally, Greene County saw 21 cases of pertussis in the first 36 days of 2025. This follows a trend of increased cases that began with 72 total cases in 2024. Historically, Greene County sees an average of 13 total cases in a 12-month period.

If you get sick
If you think you have a respiratory illness, stay home and contact your doctor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

For a complete list of possible symptoms, along with emergency warning signs of complications, visit the CDC's webpage on flu or pertussis. If you experience emergency warning signs, seek medical care immediately.

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Pertussis can be especially dangerous for infants and young children. Serious complications, including apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and pneumonia, are common. One-third of all infants who contract pertussis end up hospitalized. Immunocompromised individuals and those with moderate to severe asthma are also at higher risk of severe pertussis illness.

Protect yourself and loved ones through vaccination
Vaccination with DTaP or Tdap provides protection from pertussis. It is recommended that children receive five doses of DTaP in a series. Adults should receive a booster dose of Tdap every 10 years. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older and is widely available in Greene County.

The Health Department continues to encourage the community to choose vaccination this respiratory season. While vaccination may not prevent infection in all cases, it has been shown to reduce severity of illness and risk of hospitalization.

You can learn more about the flu and pertussis vaccines and find a location to get vaccinated at vaccine417.com.

Community precautions

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Community members can practice respiratory season etiquette to further prevent the spread of disease. These actions include:

• Staying home when sick
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• Coughing and sneezing into your elbow to prevent contamination of your hands

Health care facilities may also ask patients and visitors to take additional precautions to prevent the spread of disease. Both Mercy and CoxHealth hospitals have current visitor restrictions in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to limit illness exposure.

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Media may contact the Health Department PIO Team by call or text at 417-380-2556 or email at [email protected].

Springfield-Greene County Health

"Helping all people live longer, healthier, happier lives."

health.springfieldmo.gov | facebook.com/SGCHD | x.com/SGCHD

417-864-1658

227 E. Chestnut Expressway

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