Angelenos are getting whooping cough more often than last year, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
There have been over 260 cases of the disease so far in 2024. That’s around 83 cases higher compared to October 2023.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that anyone can catch, but it’s more dangerous to babies younger than 1 year old.
The rise is likely normal
Health officials caution that the counts may be an underestimation since there could be reporting delays, or infected people who don’t get a medical diagnosis.
But generally, it appears that the increase is a return to more normal activity after the pandemic, rather than signs of a whooping cough outbreak.
“Pertussis cases are on the rise both nationally and in Los Angeles County yet remain below pre-pandemic levels,” the department said in a statement.
The county saw 1,678 pertussis cases in 2019, which is far below what we’re currently experiencing. However, the increase this year is likely due to relaxed pandemic protections, like masking.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that, nationally, we’re returning to pre-pandemic patterns, with more than 18,000 cases reported this year.
Signs of whooping cough
People can get exposed through someone else’s coughs or sneezes. Signs typically show up about a week after.
Early symptoms can mimic a common cold, which is why doctors may not catch it until more serious symptoms develop. These beginning signs in adults and children include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Low-grade fever
- Mild cough
Babies are at…
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