A Texas whooping cough outbreak that has affected 2,000 people may be the worst to hit the state in 50 years.
"This is extremely concerning. If cases continue to be diagnosed at the current rate, we will see the most Texas cases since the 1950s," Dr. Lisa Cornelius, DSHS infectious diseases medical officer, said, a Texas Department of State Health Services press release reported. "Pertussis is highly infectious and can cause serious complications, especially in babies, so people should take it seriously."
DSHS is urging parent's to make sure their children are up to date on their pertussis vaccines, they are also asking doctor's to review the warning signs.
Texans are also asked to see a doctor immediately if they develop a cough or have been exposed to someone who is suffering from pertussis.
Early diagnosis reduces the risk that comes along with whooping cough, and can also shorten the contagious period and protect others from infection.
If the cases continue to spread at the same rate they will soon surpass the 2009 high of 3,358 infections.
Two babies who were too young to be vaccinated have already died from the dangerous infection.
It is recommended that pregnant women get a pertussis vaccine when they are between 27 and 36 weeks. This practice could keep the mother from infecting the baby until they can get vaccinated at the end of two months. Other friends and family members that will be in contact with the newborn should also get vaccinated.
"Pertussis is a bacterial infection that often starts with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough. After a week or two, severe coughing can begin and last for several weeks. Coughing fits may be followed by vomiting or a 'whooping' sound, the reason the disease is also called 'whooping cough,'" the press release stated.
Whooping cough usually spreads through the air, and is generally transmitted through coughing and sneezing.