By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-1001305.mp3
Burlington, VT – Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious infection that usually develops into a cough where the spasms sound like whooping. The Vermont Health Department reports that in 2010 there were 18 cases in the state. Provisional totals for 2011 have confirmed 94 cases. Deputy State Epidemiologist Susan Schoenfeld.
Schoenfeld says the incidence of pertussis appears to be cyclical.
Vermont State School Nurses' Association President Lola Noyes works at Spaulding High School in Barre. She says most cases of pertussis are occurring in more populous areas of the state.
Although pertussis is a required vaccine for school aged children, exemptions are granted for religious, philosophical or medical reasons. There is a move in the Vermont legislature to tighten the exemptions. Deputy State Epidemiologist Susan Schoenfeld says the more people who are immunized, the easier to stop its transmission.
While the disease can infect anyone, the most severe cases of pertussis usually involve young children.