Wisconsin health officials are sounding the alarm as cases of whooping cough have increased by 12-fold. The state’s Department of Health Services is urging residents to get vaccinated to prevent further spread of the highly contagious respiratory disease.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious illness that can be especially dangerous for young children. Symptoms include severe coughing fits that can make it difficult to breathe, as well as vomiting and exhaustion. The disease is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Health officials are concerned about the spike in cases, which they attribute to low vaccination rates in some communities. They stress the importance of vaccination not only to protect individuals from getting sick but also to prevent the spread of the disease to others who may be more vulnerable.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent whooping cough, as well as other preventable diseases. Wisconsin offers vaccines for free or at a low cost through the Vaccines for Children program, making it accessible to all residents.
In light of the increase in cases, health officials are urging parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on their vaccines and to consider getting themselves vaccinated as well. They also recommend that pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, as it can provide immunity to their newborns until they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves.
By taking these preventative measures, residents can help stop the spread of whooping cough and protect the health and well-being of their communities.
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