Whooping cough

Last update: November 13, 2008 - 7:58 PM

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious infection with cyclical outbreaks every three to five years. It causes an intense and long-lasting cough in adolescents and adults, and can be fatal for infants. Because vaccinations can wear off, the state Department of Health recommends that teenagers and adults get a new vaccine developed for older patients.

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