Whooping Cough Epidemic Spreading

There have been 75 confirmed cases in Alabama so far, and it has the state concerned. 

 

Whooping cough can easily be prevented by keeping you and your children up to date on shots.

Experts say one of the reasons it’s spreading this year is the anti vaccine movement. 

 

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has been steadily growing the last few years.

 

The Centers for Disease Control says the country saw almost 50,000 reported cases in 2012, just shy of the record set in 1955.

 

One reason is that some don’t want to get the vaccine.

 

“Some people see the vaccines as being an issue or problem but the reality is that something like whooping cough can be life threatening. And those infants less than a year old, those babies are at the highest risk because about half of all infants that end up with pertussis end up in the hospital,” said Dr. Mary McIntyre with the Department of Public Health.

 

There have already been two outbreaks in Alabama, both in Mobile County. Dr. McIntyre says that the numbers are pretty normal for the state this year, but she’s worried that this is only the beginning. 

 

The State Department of Health says it all starts with education.

 

But some in Montgomery are divided on vaccinations.

 

“A lot of people are scared to take the anti vaccine, the medication. But it can’t be harmful. If it were, the government would not allow it to be sold. So that’s what the problem is,” said Montgomery resident Donnie Werthen.

 

“I feel like a lot of times the vaccines that we’re putting in cause other side effects. Some of them probably do help, but I do feel like we stand a risk of other things by taking all of these different medications. I’m kind of leaning towards being a naturalistic person,” said Karen Moulton.

 

Alabama requires children 11 and older to be immunized before entering the school system, which Dr. McIntyre says also helps keep the numbers down in the state.

 

The state saw 200 cases of pertussis last year.