Whooping cough cases in southern Nevada outpace 2011
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Southern Nevada health officials say whooping cough is on the rise, with more cases in the first half of this year than all of 2011.
Authorities with the Southern Nevada Health District say they've tracked 22 cases of pertussis since January, including seven cases in children under the age of 1.
That's up from the 20 cases the district counted in all of 2011. It coincides with a 70 percent increase in the disease nationwide.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial disease that tends to be more serious in young children. It can be deadly, especially in infants.
The sickness usually starts with cold-like symptoms, then progresses into uncontrolled coughing spells with a whooping sound.
Officials say getting the vaccine is important for children, parents and caregivers.
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