Whooping Cough Epdemic Threatens California

Received this email from Wes Chesbro's office:

Whooping Cough Epidemic Threatens California

Dear Friends:

The California Department of Public Health has declared an epidemic of whooping cough in California. At least 3,076 cases have been reported so far this year. This is more than a sevenfold increase over cases reported last year. Eight of these cases have resulted in infant fatalities.

Reported cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are beginning to rise in the First Assembly District. In Sonoma County alone, whooping cough cases have jumped from 12 in 2009 to 131 so far this year. Below are the numbers of cases reported this year, compared to the numbers for the same period last year for counties in the First Assembly District.

• Del Norte County - 2009 = 0 cases, 2010 = 16 cases
• Humboldt County - 2009 = 12 cases, 2010 = 12 cases
• Lake County - 2009 - 0 cases, 2010 = 2 cases
• Mendocino County - 2009 = 4 cases, 2010 = 13 cases
• Sonoma County - 2009 = 12 cases, 2010 = 131 cases
• Trinity County - 2009 = 0 cases, 2010 = 0 cases

Immunization is the key to controlling this illness. All Californians, in particular families with infants and young children, are urged to obtain vaccinations to prevent whooping cough. Contact your health care provider directly for information on immunizations. To find an immunization center near you visit www.getimmunizedca.org.

Click here for a fact sheet about whooping cough so you can identify the signs and symptoms.