California Reports Epidemic Numbers Infected with Whooping Cough in 2010

California officials reported over 900 cases of Whooping Cough diagnosed in 2010 with 5 confirmed deaths. Recommendations for vaccination against Whooping Cough, also called Pertussis, are recommended for infants and adults around young children. The disease is generally not fatal in older children and adults. However, in young infants it is much more serious. All five deaths reported were children under three months age.

Pertussis is a cyclic disease that appears to be on the rise in California. The last know cycle was 2005 when more than 3000 cases were reported. The high levels this year does not appear to be headed towards a new record but is still considered epidemic. Vaccination, however, may stop the chain of infection and prevent increased numbers of infection.

Individuals with whooping cough typically show symptoms of cough and runny nose. Unlike the common cold, infected individuals develop more pronounced coughing symptoms beyond a two-week period. The name is derived from a cough that ends with a whooping sound. Generally there is no fever associated with infection. Infants under 3 months age and women who are pregnant seem most vulnerable to whooping cough and are urged to become vaccinated.

Typically children begin vaccination for Whooping Cough when they are only two months old with a total of three shots by six months. Resistance does not persist until adulthood. The FDA and CDC recommend a booster by the time children enter High School. Vaccination will help prevent further spread of infection and stop the cycle.