Whooping Cough Outbreak Reaches Alarming Rates In Texas
The number of cases of the whooping cough outbreak has reached the highest numbers in Texas. Hence, the Texas Department of State Health Services are suggesting for everyone to get vaccinated in the soonest possible time.
Within the entire state, there were 1,935 diagnosed cases as of August 27. Most of the whooping cough cases are discovered within the Fort Worth - Arlington region. This goes the same with Tarrant County that has 43 cases.
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has also issued a health alert warning for doctors and other medical experts to consistently apply the proper treatment for every diagnosed pertussis. With babies being at the highest risk to be infected, health officials are recommending all parents to update their kids' vaccinations.
If infants are too young to have the vaccine, the DSHS suggests for pregnant women to take a dose of the vaccine when they are in the 26th to 27th week of their pregnancy.
What is Pertussis?
It is a kind of bacterial infection that has symptoms similar to that of a common cold and eventually followed with extreme coughing. It becomes worse when the coughing turns to vomiting. The worst part is that it can get transmitted by air.
The whooping cough can just affect adults and teens mildly but it can take away babies' lives because of higher risk with apnea. Symptoms can still be lessened if the disease is detected early so that it can be properly treated too.