Another case of whooping cough confirmed

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3333330154419px; background-color: #ffffff;">The number of confirmed cases of pertussis or whooping cough has climbed to four.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3333330154419px; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span>

February 13, 2015Updated: February 14, 2015

By KUAM News

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The number of confirmed cases of pertussis or whooping cough has climbed to four. The latest diagnosed with this highly contagious bacterial disease of the respiratory tracts is a two month old baby. Investigations so far have shown, however, no link between the cases or to an off island source. Public health is urging parents to please have their children immunized to prevent and control this disease.

Recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Age Group	Recommended Vaccine	Recommended Schedule
< 7 years old	diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP)	One dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6 and 15-18 months and 4-6 years.
7- 10 years old	tetanus diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap)	Children who are not fully vaccinated against whooping cough should get a single dose
11- 18 years old		A single dose, preferably at age 11-12 years
19 years and up		Adults who have not received Tdap previously or for whom vaccination status is unknown should receive a single dose.
Pregnant women		One dose during each pregnancy (preferably during 27 - 36 weeks' gestation). If Tdap is not given during pregnancy, administer immediately after delivery.

All health care providers on are urged to be on alert for possible cases of Pertussis and to promptly report suspect cases to the Immunization Program, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, at 735-7143/7148 or 735-7135.