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Cali Girls (& Vacationers) - Whooping Cough Outbreak

ariajeanariajean
in November 2008 Weddings

(I know this is JUST what you want to hear, Katie!)

We got a health notice at work from ISOS.  They are expecting an epidemic of Whooping Cough this year in California.  Apparently it happens every 2-5 years.  Babies under 6 months old are especially susceptible. 

Scarlett just had her vaccinations, and I'm considering boosters for J and I.  If you are in Cali or going to visit, especially with a baby, make sure everyone has their shots up to date.


United States

Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak in California

Created: June 06, 2010 07:02 GMT
Updated: June 06, 2010 08:49 GMT There is an outbreak of whooping cough throughout the state of California. Cases have doubled in comparison to the same period last year and at least four infants have died. All fatal cases occurred in babies younger than 3 months old. The San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles appear to be particularly affected. Authorities have alerted health care providers to be on the look out for the disease, and advise them to use every patient visit to vaccinate as appropriate. Babies younger than 2 months cannot be vaccinated, and they aren't fully immune until 6 months old after several doses of vaccine. To protect them, their parents, caregivers and other close contacts should be vaccinated against the disease. The California Department of Public Health advises that outbreaks of whooping cough peak every two to five years, and fears this year may be similar to 2005, when eight infants died. The Disease
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. People can contract it if they inhale droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. Thus the disease tends to occur in epidemics. Children under five years old are most frequently and severely affected. Pertussis can also cause serious respiratory infections in adults who are not immune to the disease. The initial symptoms are the same as those of a simple upper respiratory infection: runny nose, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever. These are followed by severe episodes of rapid and violent coughing. Often after a coughing fit, the patient will inhale with a loud "whooping" noise and may vomit. Children are more likely to whoop and vomit than adults. Coughing episodes may occur for up to 10 weeks. A full course of "triple antigen" or "DTaP" vaccine provides immunity against the disease. However, immunity may diminish over time. In some countries, a booster vaccination is recommended in adolescence, as well as for adults, especially those who are in close contact with young infants.
International SOS Comment

All travelers should be up to date with their pertussis vaccination, regardless of destination. In addition, anyone in close contact with young infants should consider a booster. See your doctor for an individual recommendation. To prevent spread of any respiratory illness, pay attention to personal hygiene. Cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands frequently and keep your distance from people who are obviously sick.
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