Texas Whooping Cough Outbreak Kills Two: Pertussis Outbreak Worst In Fifty Years, Officials Fear; Babies Particularly Vulnerable

A Texas whooping cough outbreak is concerning state health officials and may be the worst in fifty years.

The whooping cough outbreak in Texas has been blamed for two deaths and caused 1,935 people within the state to be diagnosed with the pertussis disease as of Aug. 27. Many of the pertussis cases are concentrated in the Fort Worth-Arlington area-there were 433 cases of the whooping cough outbreak in Tarrant County alone.

Officials predict that by the end of 2013, the victims of the whooping cough outbreak will be much larger than the 2009 total of 3,358 people.

Babies, in particular, are vulnerable as they may not be properly vaccinated against whooping cough. Pertussis can last up to five months and lead to weight loss, fractured ribs from coughing, and fainting, and loss of bladder control in teens and adults.

Officials fear the Texas will see the worst outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough, in 50 years. An official warning has been issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

"This is extremely concerning," Dr. Lisa Cornelius, the state's infectious diseases medical officer, said to press. "If cases continue to be diagnosed at the current rate, we will see the most Texas cases since the 1950s. Pertussis is highly infectious and can cause serious complications, especially in babies, so people should take it seriously."

Residents of Texas are urged to update their vaccinations-and make sure their children are vaccinated for whooping cough. The alert also advises doctors on how to diagnose and treat the pertussis.

"If you have a cough, stay away from the babies," Russell Jones, Tarrant County chief epidemiologist, told newsoxy.com. "If you're exposed to pertussis and you know it, go to a physician."