Health department: Michigan whooping cough cases rise
LANSING, MICHIGAN (AP) -- Whooping cough cases are increasing in Michigan.
The Department of Community Health said Friday that 307 cases of the illness, also known as pertussis, were reported in 2008. More than twice as many cases occurred in the second half of the year than in the first half, causing some concern among health officials.
Michigan reported 292 whooping cough cases in 2007.
Health officials urge families to get their children, especially infants, vaccinated against the disease.
Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria that spreads among people in close contact. The illness starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and mild cough. The cough becomes much more severe within a week or two.
Coughing fits may end in vomiting.
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