LOS ANGELES -- State health officials are urging the elderly, pregnant women and children to get vaccinated against whooping cough now that an epidemic has been declared that could be the worst in 50 years.
As of July 16, at least 1,496 cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have been found statewide, a fivefold increase over the same period last year, said California Department of Public Health epidemiologist Dr. Gil Chavez.
The prevalence of the highly contagious disease peaks in the summer months, according to Al Lundeen, a spokesman for the state Department of Health.
Still, Lundeen said, health officials have seen three times as many cases as expected for this time of year.
Five infants have died of whooping cough so far this year -- all under three months old. A sixth possible death in L.A. County is still be investigated.
Newborns under six months are the most vulnerable.
Earlier in the year, state officials said twice as many cases had been reported in the first quarter compared with the same period last year.
The disease peaks like this about every five years, according to health experts.
The last peak occurred in 2005 when California reported 3,182 cases, with 574 hospitalizations and seven deaths.
Most kids get five doses of the vaccine DTaP before kindergarten to prevent whooping cough, but those vaccines don't immunize them for life.
Health officials say most kids are once again susceptible to the disease by middle school.
A booster dose of the vaccine is recommended for people between the ages of 11 and 18, as well as for people who have contact with infants, who can't be immunized until two months of age.
A typical case starts with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks, followed by weeks or months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound.
The California Department of Public Health on Monday recommended vaccinating not only infants but also children age 7 and older, adults age 64 and older, women of child-bearing age before, during and immediately after pregnancy, and anyone else who may have contact with pregnant women or infants.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.