Kansas City Health Department Warns Against Whooping Cough Spike

This week we talked about the outbreak in Olathe . . . Actually, the urban core numbers are even greater. 

Here's the public health info . . . 

The Kansas City Health Department is urging parents to act now to protect children and teens as whooping cough (pertussis) cases continue to climb and flu season approaches. 

Pertussis causes uncontrollable coughing that can make it hard to breathe. While it can affect all ages, it can be dangerous for babies under one, who may struggle to breathe.

So far this year, 75 pertussis cases have been reported — the highest total in recent years — with most occurring in unvaccinated children and household contacts. 

“These cases are a serious reminder that vaccine-preventable illnesses can return quickly when vaccination rates drop,” said Kansas City Health Department Director Dr. Marvia Jones. “Young children are especially vulnerable to complications from both pertussis and flu.” 

A helpful graph . . .  

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KC Health Department: Youth and Children at Risk as Whooping Cough and Flu Circulat