Whooping Cough Cases Increase In Calaveras

San Andreas, CA — More cases of whooping cough have been discovered in Calaveras County.

Earlier this month health officials issued warnings to at risk individuals after two cases of the pertusis virus were found in Paloma.

Already this year there have been five reported cases. There were six in all of 2005.

Cases have been found at Mokelumne Hill and Hazel Fisher elementary schools and at Avery Middle School.

County Health Officer Dr. Dean Kelaita says symptoms usually start as a cold-like illness with a runny nose, slight fever and mild cough, with the cough becoming severe and possibly lasting several weeks.

Parents are being urged to make sure their child´s immunizations are up to date.

San Joaquin and Sacramento counties have also reported increased cases in the first three months of 2006.

For more information and a schedule of clinics, contact the Public Health Department at 754-6460.

Written by Vanessa Turner.