SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Public Health has declared an epidemic of whooping cough in California. District 1 Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro reported to constituents in an e-mail alert on Friday that at least 3,076 cases have been reported so far this year. “This is more than a sevenfold increase over cases reported last year. Eight of these cases have resulted in infant fatalities.”
Chesbro added, “Reported cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are beginning to rise in the First Assembly District. In Sonoma County alone, whooping cough cases have jumped from 12 in 2009 to 131 so far this year.”
Chesbro stated that there have been two cases of whooping cough reported in Lake County this year, compared to none last year.
“Immunization is the key to controlling this illness,” Chesbro said. “All Californians, in particular families with infants and young children, are urged to obtain vaccinations to prevent whooping cough.”
Chesbro recommended that readers contact their health care provider directly for information on immunizations.
In Lake County, call 263-1090 or (800) 794-9291. Clinic times are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 922 Bevins Court in Lakeport. Please call for an appointment. A cost of $9 is waived if the recipient cannot pay, according to www.getimmunizedca.org.
