Cases of whooping cough on rise in NC | News

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Cases of pertussis, also known as the whooping
cough, are on the rise in 37 states, including North Carolina.

Whooping cough is very contagious and can be deadly for infants.

"They have
a lot of trouble breathing and have a lot of mucus," said family nurse
practitioner Laura Quarino. "Coughing, vomiting, they can get dehydrated very
easily and worst case is they can die."

The state is offering free Tdap vaccines that cover tetanus, diphtheria and
pertussis. People from babies to adults are strongly encouraged to get the vaccines.

"The adults
don't know they have it often times. Pretty much with any disease there's an
incubation period where you don't know that you're sick but you're out there
exposing other people," said Brunswick County's deputy heath director Fred
Michael.

The Brunswick County Health Department has give 630 shots over the past few
months. Michael said on an average month, they only give out a few doses of the
vaccine. Check with your local health department to get your vaccination. You
can contact Brunswick County's health department at 1-888-428-4429.

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