Thu, Dec 21st, 2023 - 4:12pm
February 28, 2024 - 3:00pm | By Tom Tucker
(Fargo, ND) – Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) officials are encouraging vaccinations for pertussis as cases continue to rise in Cass County.
Since November 2023, there have been 29 reported cases of pertussis in Cass County.
At least eight cases have been reported over the last 17 days, a number that is expected to increase.
Cass County typically reports five to eight cases in an average year.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person through the air.
People with pertussis usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria.
Pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.
Dr. Tracie Newman, Health Officer for FCPH says, “Cases of pertussis have been increasing in recent years in the United States and we are now seeing cases go up in North Dakota. Infants under the age of one are at the highest risk of developing severe breathing complications and life-threatening illness from pertussis. Ensuring your child and family are up to date on pertussis vaccines is more important than ever."
