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Last modified: Thursday, November 13, 2008 1:54 PM CST
Whooping cough outbreak reported in Douglas County
Twenty-four cases of whooping cough have been reported at Douglas County in Minnesota, mostly in high school students. An additional 16 cases were reported in Dakota County.
To date, no cases have been confirmed in Wilkin County, said Angie Hoffman, RN at Wilkin County Public Health.
"People should really make sure their immunizations are up to date," she said.
Residents should get their Tdap vaccination every five years, or as little as every two years from the last booster shot, depending on their circumstance.
Hofmann said the director has contacted local schools.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, causes an airy cough or one so persistant it causes gagging or vomiting. People should seek medical advice if they have a cough lasting 7 days or longer. If you have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case pertussis, seek medical treatment right away for prophylactic treatment.
Minnesota's last peak year for whooping cough was in 2005 and reported 1,571 total cases. The cough peaks every three to five years.
The state has reported 275 cases this year.
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