Six confirmed cases of whooping cough in Florence County

The Florence County Health Department reports six laboratory confirmed cases of pertussis in the county.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial disease that starts with cold-like symptoms and a cough that gets worse over time. It is usually spread by direct face-to-face contact or direct contact with respiratory, oral or nasal secretions of an infected person.  The illness is most serious in infants, young children, elderly and immunosuppressed individuals. Pregnant women in their third trimester, unvaccinated and under-vaccinated infants and young children are at highest risk of serious complications and death.

For the full story, see this week’s issue of The Florence Mining News.