September 3, 2010

New Mexico has reported 57 cases of whooping cough so far this year, 13 more than last year at this time. The total cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, include confirmed and probable cases. No deaths from whooping cough have been reported in the last couple of years. Pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory-tract illness that is more likely to kill children under 4 months of age. It's caused by bacteria and occurs year-round. People who have coughs that cannot be associated to something such as a cold should be tested. Coughing spasms are the most common sign of pertussis.