Pressroom

Source: Courier News (IL)

By: Carlman, Susan Frick

12/27/2011

Whooping cough has been making a comeback in northern Illinois. The state Department of Public Health has counted 1,269 cases of the disease since the beginning of the year. In McHenry County, the eight cases reported in October have grown to 248, affecting patients as young as three months. Actual figures may be higher, as whooping cough tends to go underreported. Statewide, the reported cases could double the 648 recorded in 2009, having already surpassed 2010’s 1,056 reported cases. Nearly 10 percent of the current total were reported between Dec. 13 and Dec. 20. Booster vaccines have been available since 2005 and are recommended for adults, especially those frequently in contact with babies and children. Local health authorities are calling on adults to receive a booster, and for parents to make sure their children receive full vaccination against whooping cough. Many parents do not follow through the full series, putting children at risk of catching and spreading the disease. Even with the full five doses, immunity may wane, prompting the need for a booster shot.