What you should know
An increase in whooping cough cases, particularly in children, has prompted a health alert in one New York county. Whooping cough cases have increased in Sullivan County. Whooping cough has the potential to cause serious illness to people of all ages, but especially babies.
NEW YORK — An increase in whooping cough cases, particularly in children, has prompted a health alert in one New York county.
Cases of pertussis have increased in Sullivan County, the Department of Health issued an advisory Thursday. The report added that five additional cases had been verified “this week alone.” Worrying cases have been found in children.
“This is an important announcement and it comes during National Immunization Awareness Month,” said Public Health Director Karen Holden. “This month reinforces why vaccines are important for people of all ages and how they can help prevent serious, sometimes deadly diseases and conditions.”
On the other hand, the Sullivan County Department of Public Health warned about that increase in whooping cough, which is considered highly contagious. According to health officials, a cough from pertussis can last up to 10 weeks, and in some cases longer.
Whooping cough has the potential to cause serious illness in people of all ages, but especially in babies. Half of babies under the age of 1 typically need to be hospitalized if infected, the department said.
Pertussis cases have reportedly been on the rise for years. New York recorded almost twice as many cases in 2022 than the year before. The county alert says that 2023 is on track to repeat the trend.
Anyone who thinks they have contracted whooping cough should contact their doctor. The county also has a 24/7 public health line: 845-292-5910.
2023-08-11 19:06:37
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