California Whooping Cough Epidemic
San Andreas, CA– With whooping cough cases now reaching epidemic levels in California, the state this week issued a recommendation that vaccines be given to seniors and other age groups. Pregnant women and women who recently had a baby should also get vaccine protection now.
Last year Calaveras county had the highest whooping cough rate in the state. Currently 3 cases of whooping cough have been reported. Dean Kelaita, Health Officer for the Calaveras County Public Health Department says pertussis, better known as whooping cough, is a disease of the lungs and throat caused by bacteria and starts like a cold with a cough that gets worse. He adds that pertussis is very serious for infants especially in the first 3 months of life. It can result in hospitalization and even death.
The Calaveras County Public Health Department provides the Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine for youth and adults at low or no cost through the Public Health Immunization Clinics. For more information call 754-6460 or visit www.calaveraspublichealth.com
Written by tina.falco@mlode.com
