MAYVILLE – Whooping cough outbreaks that began earlier this year are continuing to grow the southern tier, with new outbreaks being reported in Livingston and Steuben Counties. In Steuben County, a Public Health officials says more than 50 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been diagnosed this year – compared to just one case last year. It was also reported there were 55 cases of whooping cough in Livingston County in June of this year.
Chautauqua Chautauqua County Public Health Director Christine Schuyler said that whooping cough continues to be diagnosed in Chautauqua County. According to the CDC, cases of whooping cough are higher in 2012 than they’ve been in almost 50 years.
Whooping Cough is easily spread by coughing or sneezing while having the disease and spreading it to others by not washing hands or just being in close contact. Children, especially infants, can be severely affected by the disease, which may lead to death in some cases.
Schuyler says it can be vital to the safety of children that those around infants – including older siblings, alternate care givers, and grandparents – receive the whooping cough vaccine.
To obtain vaccinations, contact your health care provider or call the Chautauqua County Health Department at 1-866-604-6789. For more information on Pertussis, please visit www.cdc.gov.
Leave a Reply