CDC microbiologist performing Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) analytical test used in classifying bacterial organisms - Photo CDC
Whooping Cough epidemic has claimed the lives of nine infants in California. According to state health officials, if cases in California continue at its current rate, the state will exceed its 55-year old record. A common symptom of Whooping Cough is a continual cough lasting weeks, commonly called pertussis.
Currently there are more than 4,000 cases of the infection reported in California alone. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control data reports at least 11,000 cases. In 1955, California recorded 4,949 cases.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious illness with rises in numbers of infections about every five years. During the summer months, infections normally reach their climax in numbers. The illness is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are comparable to those of the common cold. For this reason, epidemiologists and other officials are yet to conclude whether the steepest climatic outbreaks have passed.
CDC recommends receiving Whooping Cough vaccinations in order to prevent fatalities. However, each of the nine deaths that occurred from the illness in California, were infants too young to receive the full vaccination. Normally, infants receive a series of vaccinations and later receive a booster injection at ages four, six and after ten.
Texas, South Carolina and Ohio have all reported cases of Whooping Cough to health officials. Texas reported 1,783 cases this year and Ohio followed with 1,019 cases. South Carolina only reported 255 cases and one fatality.
Although levels of infections are at epidemic levels, no statewide emergencies have been declared in these states.