Four Cases Of Whooping Cough In FL Planhandle

The Santa Rosa County Health Department is currently investigating four confirmed cases of pertussis, or “whooping cough.”

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory system. Because this disease can be very serious, even fatal, to infants younger than 12 months, the health department is in contact with the individuals who may have been exposed and is working to prevent this from becoming a widespread outbreak.

“Pertussis has historically shown to be prevalent in our area, yet it is preventable with proper vaccination,” said Shannon L. Jacobs, M.A., M.P.H., administrator of the health department. “This is the second time we are seeing pertussis in Santa Rosa County this year, and now there are clusters of cases, so we hope parents will protect their children and others by getting the Tdap shot.”

The health department is encouraging parents of children who have not had a Tdap vaccine (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) booster shot to get one. This includes all children who are currently in grades 9 – 12, as the booster is now required for children entering 7th grade.

There is no charge for the shot through the Vaccines for Children program, and it is available without an appointment on Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the health department’s locations in Milton (5527 Stewart Street) and Midway (5840 Gulf Breeze Parkway).

Click here for more information on whooping cough.