Statewide Outbreak of Whooping Cough Has Wisconsin Health Departments Concerned

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 -- 12:00 PM

(Bob Hague, Wisconsin Radio Network) A statewide outbreak of whooping cough has Wisconsin health departments concerned.

According to Bob Hague with the Wisconsin Radio Network, the Department of Health Services reports there have been 226 cases of the disease so far this year, and state immunization director Dr. Stephanie Schaur tells the Journal Sentinel that’s a significant increase over last year. While most of the infections have been in teens, nine of those cases were in infants under 1 year old.

Babies that young cannot be immunized and the disease is much rougher on them, sometimes fatally so. D H S recommends everyone check to see if they’re immunized, and if not, schedule an immunization with your doctor.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.