San Bernardino County child is first to die from whooping cough in California since 2016

A San Bernardino County infant has died from whooping cough, the first infant the disease has claimed since 2016 statewide, county health officials said Tuesday July 17.

Whooping cough outbreaks are not uncommon in California and tend to occur once every three to five years, according to a statement released by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.

California experienced a whooping cough epidemic in 2014 when 11,000 cases were reported statewide. The California Department of Public Health reported 1,943 cases statewide in 2016. In 2017, 3,156 cases were reported.

Noting a steady increase, health officials said they expect the next outbreak in 2019.

County cases

As of July 17, San Bernardino County has reported 20 cases of whooping cough and 186 cases since the 2014 epidemic.

Young infants are typically the most at risk of dying or being hospitalized from whooping cough. Vaccinating pregnant mothers between 27 and 36 weeks, and children, is considered to be the best way to prevent this disease.

Health officials recommend that the first whooping cough vaccine series known as DTaP is given to infants as early as six weeks after birth. They say even one dose of DTaP could protect infants against this lethal disease.

Young children need five doses of the vaccine by the time they go to kindergarten and older children need a booster before they go to the seventh grade.

Adults who may come into contact with infants or healthcare workers who may come into contact with infants or pregnant women should also get vaccinated, health officials say.

Whooping cough symptoms could range from a cough and runny nose in children to rapid coughing spells that end with a whooping sound.

For more information, visit the department of health’s website or call 800-722-4794.