California sees epidemic spread of whooping cough

California is one of only 11 states that does not require middle school students to receive a booster shot against whooping cough. Most cases in Marin County have been diagnosed in 5- to 17-year-olds.

California (Los Angeles Times) June 28, 2010 -- Public health officials said California's lackluster immunization rates could be a factor in the epidemic spread of whooping cough, a bacterial disease expected to take its largest toll in the state in five decades.

California is one of only 11 states that does not require middle school students to receive a booster shot against whooping cough, also known as pertussis, which infects the respiratory system.

The state is the only one in the nation to report such a dramatic surge in pertussis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Five newborn babies in California have died so far this year, and at least 910 people are confirmed to have the illness.

Adolescents can play a major role in transmission of whooping cough; the bulk of pertussis cases in Marin County have been diagnosed in 5- to 17 year-olds. Located just north of San Francisco, Marin County, with a population of 250,000, has been one of the worst-hit counties statewide, recording 187 cases — more cases than in the past 10 years combined.

Los Angeles County, with a population of 10 million, has recorded 148 suspected cases so far this year.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/health/la-me-whooping-cough-immunization-20100627,0,508371.story

Source: DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report