Nine cases of pertussis have been reported in two counties in Wisconsin in the last two weeks, and others may be reported once lab tests are concluded, according to a Post-Crescent Media report.
Affected patients range in age from 6 months to 15 years old, and some of the younger patients had never been vaccinated for whooping cough, according to the report.
Physicians from Appleton, Wis.-based ThedaCare recommend that expectant mothers and other family members get vaccinated at least two weeks before the baby is due to help protect the infant from the disease, according to the Post-Crescent report. Whooping cough can cause life-threatening complications in infants.
Wisconsin is not the only state dealing with cases of whooping cough: California has experienced a deluge of pertussis cases this year.