Rising Whooping Cough Cases in Cass County Prompt Vaccination Urgency
The number of whooping cough cases, also known as pertussis, is increasing in Cass County, North Dakota, with 12 reported cases in the past month compared to an average of eight cases per year. Fargo Cass Public Health is urging people to get vaccinated, emphasizing the vulnerability of infants under one year old who are at the highest risk of severe illness. Pertussis is highly contagious and spreads through coughing or sneezing. Antibiotics are recommended for those in contact with an active case, and immunity from vaccination or previous infection wanes over time, necessitating booster shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pertussis vaccination for babies, children, preteens, pregnant women, and adults.
