Health Department warns parents about a dangerous cough - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

By Kristin Beerman | email

Edited by Jon Bush | email 

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) – A reminder from the City of Lubbock Health Department, although we can breathe a sigh of relief that the flu hasn't been a big problem this year, there is a very serious problem in the air, which could have been prevented with a vaccine.  Two cases so far this year of the highly contagious Pertussis, better known as Whooping Cough.  Last year there were 15 cases in Lubbock and the concern is, the younger the patient, the more dangerous this is.

Every child needs a series of four vaccines to be fully protected against this potential killer.  It starts like a common cold, but in a week or two, it turns into a violent cough.  If you think your child is showing symptoms, you need to see a doctor.  One reason this disease is so scary is that adults can have it and just think it's a bad cough, but that adult could pass it on to a baby who has not been vaccinated, and the baby could die.

©2009 KCBD NewsChannel 11.  All rights reserved.  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.