Associated Press
COLORADO CITY
- Mohave County health officials are working to halt an outbreak
of whooping cough.
At least
19 cases of the childhood disease, also known as pertussis, have
been identified.
The upper
respiratory bacterial disease can be especially dangerous for
infants but usually is prevented by immunization.
Mohave County
Social Services Director Patty Mead said none of these victims
is in danger of dying.
A prolonged
cough is the key symptom distinguishing pertussis from other ailments.
Antibiotics are used to treat the affliction.
Mohave County
Health Department Nursing Services Manager Christy Bronston said
health officials are working to educate parents in the two communities.
Officials
say no cases have been reported in Hildale, Utah, which adjoins
Colorado City.
A 1998 pertussis
outbreak in the two communities included 41 confirmed cases and
261 probable cases, Bronston said.
|
