Health officials in California are warning of a whooping cough epidemic
ANITA GORE, SPOKESPERSON, CA STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT:“In the last 2 weeks, there have been more than 800 cases reported to us.”
They’ve seen over 3,400 cases reported so far this year.
ANITA GORE, SPOKESPERSON, CA STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT: “That’s more than all of last year.”
Sacramento County, for example, had only 74 cases last year. This year, there’s already been 177 cases reported. Health experts say infants are the most at risk.
DR. OLIVIA KASIRYE, PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER: “The only way they can get protection is through the mom.”
They’re concerned that immunization rates are dropping. And they’re encouraging pregnant woman to get vaccinated in their third trimester to give some protection to their newborns.