MAYVILLE – A continued and marked increase in the number of cases of whooping cough, also known as Pertussis, has been identified by the Chautauqua County Department of Health.
County Public Health Director Christine Schuyler says the county’s nursing staff is currently investigating several cases of pertussis and recommending preventive treatment for those exposed. The cases are predominantly in the south County, but because of cross-county activities such as school sports, the disease can quickly spread. Schuyler added the best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated.
Pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, is very contagious and can cause serious illness―especially in infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated and children less than one year old. Health officials stress the importance of making sure that infants and young children get the recommended series of immunizations on time. Adolescent and adult vaccination is also important, especially for families with new infants as the vaccine prevents you from getting pertussis and passing it along to the baby who could get very ill and even die. Caregivers, close friends and relatives who spend time with the baby, including grandparents, should also get vaccinated.
For more information, please call the Chautauqua County Department of Health at 1-866-604-6789 or visit www.cdc.gov.
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