Cases Of Whooping Cough Rising Across The World

NBC News (4/17, Sullivan) reports cases of whooping cough are on the rise globally. Although the disease “is largely under control in the U.S.” due to widespread vaccination, “breakthrough cases, which are usually mild, do happen in people who are vaccinated.” However, whooping cough can pose a risk to babies, and “the CDC recommends babies start their DTaP vaccine series...starting at 2 months old.” Another vaccine, Tdap, “is recommended for kids age 11 and older who have not had a DTaP series, or adults who may need a booster.” The agency “advises women to get a booster with every pregnancy.”