Higher than normal cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, are being found in La Plata County as well as across the state.
La Plata County has seen 13 cases of pertussis since December 1, the San Juan Basin Health Department reported Friday.
Twelve of the cases involved youngsters ages 10 to 18. The disease is highly contagious and can be fatal in babies less than 1 year old.
In 2013, there were 1,458 cases of pertussis in the state, compared to a five-year average of 119.
“We recommend that individuals and families check their immunization status,” health department epidemiologist Joe Fowler said in a statement. “Now is the time to do it.”
The health department is offering adults the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus as well as pertussis. A Tdap booster is recommended for children at age 10 to 11.
daler@durangoherald.com
