Amador County – Amador County Public Health confirmed three new cases of Whooping Cough have been contracted in Amador County.

Public Health confirmed Monday that “Pertussis isn’t taking a summer vacation.” The illness, known as “Whooping cough” can be deadly, especially to children under 6 months old, who are not yet vaccinated.

Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Hartmann said of the three new cases in Amador County that “all close contacts have been advised of their exposure. Statewide, the number of pertussis cases is greater than during the same period last year.”

Hartmann said: “Whooping cough is an illness that is highly contagious, particularly to infants. It typically starts with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing sometimes ending with a whooping sound. Un-immunized or incompletely immunized young infants are especially vulnerable.”

He said: “Sadly, illness in this age group frequently leads to hospitalization and can be fatal. This is a prime example highlighting the reason behind the new California law requiring all public and private school students in grades 7-12 to be immunized against pertussis before they start school this fall.”

State lawmakers passed the new policy after California experienced the highest increase in whooping cough cases since 1947. Hartmann said last year, 10 infants died from the disease and more than 9,300 people were infected in the state. Parents should be aware that the protection from childhood immunization to pertussis wears off, and adolescents may be at risk for infection without a booster.

The child’s primary health care provider is the best resource to receive and document the pertussis vaccine. Other resources in the community include Amador County Public Health and some local pharmacies.

For Public Health immunization clinic information call 223-6407 or call your local pharmacy to ask if they are offering the vaccine.

Dr. David J. Stone, a Jackson pediatrician said: “This is a reminder to the community on how important it is to get immunized against a potent, potentially lethal germ.” Pertussis is the leading vaccine-preventable disease.

The next immunization clinic is 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, at the health department building on Conductor Boulevard in Sutter Creek. Pertussis shots for adults and children are $10 each. The next clinic after that is 2-6 p.m. Tuesday July 5, also in the Public Health building.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.