INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
-- Indiana health officials investigating a surge in whooping cough cases
are urging Hoosiers to take precautions to avoid the highly contagious
bacterial infection.
The Indiana State
Department of Health said Thursday that it’s confirmed 136 cases of whooping
cough, or pertussis, during the first half of 2017. That’s more than double
the 66 cases recorded during the same period last year.
While pertussis can
be treated with antibiotics, it can be prevented with vaccines. State Health
Commissioner Jerome Adams says Hoosiers should get vaccinated and follow
proper coughing etiquette and handwashing practices to avoid spreading and
contracting the illness, which is especially dangerous for babies. Whooping
cough is usually spread by coughing or sneezing. It causes a severe cough
that can last for months.