Vaccinations Needed To Curb Pertussis Spread, Officials Say
A lack of vaccination among adults and teenagers is the main driver behind the spread of pertussis, or whooping cough, in California, according to Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. More than 4,000 cases of whooping cough have been confirmed in the state, and nine infants younger than three months old have died. Health officials said curbing the spread of the disease among adults is critical because undiagnosed adults may infect newborn infants.
- "Unimmunized Adults, Teens a Key Factor in Spread of Whooping Cough, Officials Say" (Lin, Los Angeles Times, 9/23).
- "Whooping Cough Epidemic Unabated" (Lavelle, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9/22).