Sporadic cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in several locations in USA

In New York State, some sporadic cases and small outbreaks of whooping cough (pertussis) are being reported in Monroe County. In Ocean County, New Jersey, 3 cases were reported last week in Lakewood. In Albermarle County, Virginia, a case was reported in a high school student. Across the state of West Virginia, there have been 52 cases in 5 outbreaks of the disease.

Advice

Pertussis cases have increased throughout most of the world due in part to increased virulence and other genetic changes in the circulating strains as well as decreased immunity over time. Outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) can occur anywhere in the world at anytime. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to this disease by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations and their current immune status for pertussis are up-to-date prior to travelling.