DAYTON -- Tonight we have a warning for parents about whooping cough, also known as pertussis.
Dayton Children's Hospital is reporting an increase in cases. So far, 11 kids have tested positive for the highly contagious infection in the past nine days.
The disease is caused by bacteria in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Children, especially infants, are at serious risk.
Infection Preventionist Terrie Koss says, "it's summer, these kids will be going to camps, they will be going to swimming pools and of course they will be in large groups with other kids...and this pertussis is especially dangerous for infants."
Doctors are advising children and adults to get the vaccine to help prevent pertussis. They also recommend washing hands thoroughly and avoiding anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
Image courtesy of ABC.
Dayton Children's Hospital is reporting an increase in cases. So far, 11 kids have tested positive for the highly contagious infection in the past nine days.
The disease is caused by bacteria in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Children, especially infants, are at serious risk.
Infection Preventionist Terrie Koss says, "it's summer, these kids will be going to camps, they will be going to swimming pools and of course they will be in large groups with other kids...and this pertussis is especially dangerous for infants."
Doctors are advising children and adults to get the vaccine to help prevent pertussis. They also recommend washing hands thoroughly and avoiding anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
Image courtesy of ABC.