(StatePoint) Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly-contagious and vaccine-preventable disease that has made a startling comeback across the country. It is currently responsible for causing the worst epidemic the U.S. has seen in 50 years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 13 deaths.
“Immunization is still the best way to help prevent the spread of pertussis,” says Siobhan Dolan, MD, MPH, an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical advisor to March of Dimes. “It’s important for both children and adults to be up-to-date with their pertussis immunization.”
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