LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
At least 22 cases of the bacterial disease that causes "whooping cough" have been reported in southern Nevada since the start of the year, health officials said Monday.
Of the cases, seven occurred in children less than a year old.
The Southern Nevada Health District said "whooping cough," or pertussis, is a contagious bacterial respiratory disease that can be mild in older children and adults but much more severe among young children and infants.
The disease can lead to death, officials said.
SNHD said it has received more case reports by July of this year than in previous years during this same time period.
Physicians note symptoms usually occur in stages. Usually, runny nose, sneezing and low-grade fever lasts for a week or two in the initial stage. The second stage includes uncontrolled coughing spells followed by a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in. Severe coughing stages include vomiting and blue in the lips or face.
SNHD is using this time to emphasize the importance of vaccination, especially with younger children.
Children in Clark County schools must be immunized before attending kindergarten and again before entering 7th grade, officials said.
For more information on whooping cough, you can visit SNHD.info or call 702-759-0850.
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