Pertussis still on the rise in New Mexico
The New Mexico Health Department is warning people statewide that pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, is showing up statewide in precedented levels.
The New Mexico Health Department is warning people statewide that pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, is showing up statewide in levels.
According to the department's records, there have been more than 300 confirmed cases in 2013 and 88 more incidents listed as "probable" whooping cough. Fortunately in 2013, there have been no fatalities, which is better than in 2012 when the department said there were two deaths linked to pertussis.
Dr. Joan Baumbach, from the New Mexico Health Department, told Action 7 News that they want to make sure people are still getting the pertussis vaccine, especially women who have babies, women who are pregnant, and those who live with women or babies.
"We are most worried about young infants, generally under one year of age, but especially under 4-6 months of age," Baumbach said. "They can die from whooping cough."
The Department of Health said adults die from pertussis as well, it's simply not as common.
"It's tricky in the beginning," Baumbach said. "It might look like the common cold."
Baumbach said if an individual has had a prolonged cough or has fits of coughing so bad that sometimes it makes that person feel sick, it is time to go to the doctor.
"It can be severe, especially if you have an underlying illness," she said.
Baumbach said vaccines should be available at local physicians and hospitals, as well as at local pharmacies.