In the past week, we have received alerts about whooping cough in numerous states, including Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. Los Angeles County is reportedly having their highest number of cases ever, with more than a quarter of this year’s cases coming in the last month. Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Infants are particularly vulnerable; about half of infected infants require hospitalization and 1 in 100 hospitalized infants die from it. Whooping cough can be prevented by vaccination but over time adults may lose that protection. The CDC recommends that adults get a booster when they receive their tetanus booster. New parents and grandparents should make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations.
