Infant’s Death From Whooping Cough Prompts Officials To Urge Pregnant Women To Get Vaccinated
The disease is most dangerous to babies too young to be vaccinated, which is why the officials concentrate on making sure the mothers get their shots.
Los Angeles Times:
Infant Dies Of Whooping Cough In San Bernardino County
As public health officials prepare for a possible outbreak of whooping cough, the death of a baby in San Bernardino County from the disease has prompted warnings that pregnant women should be vaccinated. The death announced Tuesday marked the first time the disease had killed an infant in California in two years. State and county officials would not say when the child died or provide any further details. (Karlamangla, 7/17)
Orange County Register:
San Bernardino County Child Is First To Die From Whooping Cough In California Since 2016
As of July 17, San Bernardino County has reported 20 cases of whooping cough and 186 cases since the 2014 epidemic. Young infants are typically the most at risk of dying or being hospitalized from whooping cough. Vaccinating pregnant mothers between 27 and 36 weeks, and children, is considered to be the best way to prevent this disease. (Bharath, 7/17)
In other children's health news —
Orange County Register:
CHOC Opens Psychiatric Access Line To Help Kids With Mental Health Issues
In its ongoing efforts to improve mental health care for children and adolescents, Children’s Hospital of Orange County has started a pediatric psychiatric access line, the first of its kind in the county. ... There is a huge need for this link between pediatricians and psychiatrists because there are only about a dozen psychiatrists in Orange County specializing in care for children and adolescents — a number that is below state average, [Heather] Huszti said. (Bharath, 7/17)
Fresno Bee:
Charter School For Dyslexic Students Faces County Vote July 19
A charter school whose curriculum would focus on the needs of dyslexic students may not get off the ground in Fresno, after a review by the County Superintendent of Schools recommended denying its petition. Augustus Academy for Creative Arts and Technology had already been turned down on its original petition at Central Unified, but filed an appeal with the county in May. (Appleton, 7/17)