Whooping cough (pertussis) reported in several states in USA

Sporadic cases and outbreaks of whooping cough (pertussis) are being reported from the following states and counties:

• New York (Erie County)
• Virginia (southwest)
• Utah (Salt Lake County) - 748 cases statewide
• Nebraska (Otoe County)
• Michigan (Allegan County and Dickinson County)

Most of the cases are related to school based outbreaks.

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.