Soaring whooping cough cases prompt Tulare County health authorities to advocate for vaccinations
In Tulare County, California, cases of whooping cough (pertussis) are on the rise, particularly among infants under the age of 1 who are too young to receive the vaccine [1]. This increase in infections is linked to a decrease in vaccinations within the community [5].
Infants under 6 months are particularly vulnerable as they are too young to be fully vaccinated themselves and rely on community immunity for protection [4]. Community-wide vaccination helps reduce infection rates by creating herd immunity, which lowers the overall spread of the disease and protects those who cannot yet be vaccinated [4].
Vaccinating pregnant women, family members, children starting at 2 months through early childhood, preteens (around age 11 or 12), and adults (with boosters every 10 years) is key to shielding infants and other vulnerable populations [4].
Dr. Thomas Overton, deputy public health officer with Tulare County Public Health, has made a statement about this, emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated to protect oneself and others from whooping cough and pertussis [2]. Similarly, Dr. Theodor Yasko, chief resident at Adventist Health Tulare, has also commented on the matter [3].
Cristina Gutierrez with Visalia Unified School District emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated for student and staff health. Getting vaccinated is a requirement for students in local schools, helping keep student populations healthy throughout the year [2].
Vaccines are typically covered by insurance and are also available for free at various county events. It is encouraged that residents speak with their doctors about vaccines if they have questions [6].
While good hygiene and staying home when sick can help reduce transmission of whooping cough, prevention through vaccination is prioritized. Severe illness and death can result from whooping cough, making vaccination a crucial measure to protect oneself and others [1].
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial disease that spreads through coughing. It can be particularly harmful to children under 6 and the elderly [1].
As students return to local schools, public health officials urge parents to be vigilant for symptoms of whooping cough. If you suspect your child may have whooping cough, seek medical attention immediately. By taking these precautions, we can work together to reduce the spread of whooping cough in our community.
References: [1] Tulare County Public Health. (2021). Whooping Cough (Pertussis). Retrieved from https://www.tularecounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/public-health/community-health/disease-prevention/whooping-cough
[2] Visalia Unified School District. (2021). Immunization Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.visaliausd.org/Page/1879
[3] Adventist Health Tulare. (2021). Vaccinations. Retrieved from https://www.adventisthealthtulare.org/services/vaccinations
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Pertussis (Whooping Cough). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html
[5] Yasko, T. (2021). The Link Between Decreased Vaccination Rates and Increased Pertussis Cases. Retrieved from https://www.adventisthealthtulare.org/blog/the-link-between-decreased-vaccination-rates-and-increased-pertussis-cases
[6] Tulare County Public Health. (2021). Vaccines for Adults. Retrieved from https://www.tularecounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/public-health/community-health/disease-prevention/vaccines-for-adults
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