State Declares Whooping Cough Epidemic

State health officials say whooping cough is now an epidemic in California and is on pace to break a 50-year record for infections and deaths for the year.

As of June 15, California had 910 recorded cases of the highly contagious disease, and five babies – all under 3 months of age – have died from the disease this year.

In Riverside County, the Department of Health tells News Channel 3 35 cases have been reported.

California Department of Public Health director Dr. Mark Horton said Wednesday that children should be vaccinated against the disease and parents, caregivers and infants need a booster shot.

A typical case of the disease, formally called pertussis, starts with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound. Fever is rare.

Vaccines are normally given to infants to guard against the illness, but only last a few years. Boosters are available for adolescents and adults.

For more on what Whooping Cough is, click here.