LOS ANGELES (AP) — State health officials want women in their childbearing years and seniors to get immunized against whooping cough as California's epidemic grows.
As of July 16, at least 1,496 cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have been found statewide, a fivefold increase over the same period last year, said California Department of Public Health epidemiologist Dr. Gil Chavez.
Providers and the public were encouraged Monday to push vaccinations for women who may become pregnant, grandparents — especially those who provide child care — and any child age 7 or older who is not up to date on immunizations.
"Considering that immunity from pertussis vaccine or disease wears off, and that most adults are susceptible to pertussis, now is the time for Californians to get immunized to protect themselves and their families," Chavez said.
Women can be vaccinated before pregnancy, during the second or third trimester, or immediately after giving birth, he said.
Five Californians have died of whooping cough this year — all were Latino babies under 3 months of age who were too young to be immunized. The cause of a sixth infant death is under investigation.
Another 700 possible cases of whooping cough are under investigation.
A typical case of whooping cough may appear similar to a common cold for up to two weeks, followed by weeks or months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound.
Three whooping cough vaccines are administered to children 2 to 6 months of age, with boosters at 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years of age. Neither vaccine nor surviving the illness provides lifetime immunity.
Posted By: Siebra Muhammad
Wednesday, July 21st 2010 at 2:23PM
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