Pertussis outbreak continues in North Carolina

As of Aug. 14, 326 cases of pertussis, including 50 cases in infants, have been identified by public health officials in North Carolina, according to a press release from the state Department of Health and Human Services.

“State law requires that kindergartners and all rising sixth graders be up to date on pertussis vaccination before going to school,” Robin Cummings, MD, acting state health director, said in the press release. “But as parents are getting their children ready to go to back to school, it is also good for parents to check on immunizations for the whole family. Any adults or older siblings, especially those who will be around newborns, should be vaccinated against pertussis.”

High numbers of pertussis cases are being seen in Davidson, Forsyth and Rockingham counties, so the state Department of Health and Human Services authorized those counties’ local health departments to provide the vaccine free to anyone, regardless of insurance status.