A surge of 28 confirmed cases of whooping cough has been reported in Washington County, Utah, with hospital pediatrician Dr. Kerri Smith seeing a sharp increase in admissions and cases among children.
Typically, the county averages 10-15 cases of whooping cough per year. The recent outbreak is concerning, especially as schools are about to begin, and doctors stress the importance of identifying symptoms early, including difficulty breathing, fainting, and a distinctive sound when a child coughs.
According to David Heaton with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, research shows that while the vaccine may not be 100% effective, it is very safe. He advises parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on their Tdap shots and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist.
Early treatment can make the illness milder, according to Heaton. As schools reopen, doctors urge parents to prioritize their child’s health and take proactive steps to prevent whooping cough.
Source: https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/southern-utah/whooping-cough-mysteriously-packing-a-wallop-in-southern-utah-in-big-numbers