MichiganRadio

Rise in Pertussis Cases Reported in Ottawa County ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - There's an increase in the number of cases of pertussis - also known as whooping cough - in Ottawa County.

The Ottawa County Health Department wants teenagers and adults to make sure they're up to date on their pertussis vaccination.

There've been 14 cases diagnosed so far this year, and that's more than they'd like to see.

Shannon Felgner is with the health department.

"Oftentimes it's the adults who are spreading the pertussis to others because their protection has waned," Felgner says.

Felgner says symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and a cough that lasts for weeks.

She says the infection is especially dangerous for infants under three months old, because there is no vaccine available for them.

Felgner says tetanus vaccines usually contain the pertussis vaccine, so if you don't remember your last tetatnus shot, it may be time to get one.
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