Mobile County health officials see rise of whooping cough cases
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Mobile County Health Department has seen an increase in whooping cough cases this month especially in schools.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease that causes severe coughing fits.
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'It's a bacterial infection that is spread by droplets from person to person,' Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels said. 'And we have a very good vaccine that prevents it.'
The Mobile County Public School System sent a letter to parents on Tuesday about whooping cough cases reported at Dixon Elementary School in Irvington, Alabama.
'I applaud what the school has taken, telling parents, 'Hey, you need to do the right thing, get your child evaluated,'' Dr. Michaels said.
Dr. Michaels told that 15 whooping cough cases were reported in the county in 2024. On Feb. 14, the MCHD reported 12 cases of whooping cough.
Two weeks later, that number has doubled to 24 cases in Mobile.
Dr. Michaels recommended that the public get the Pertussis vaccine to protect against the illness.
'Pertussis is infectious, and it causes complications,' Dr. Michaels said. 'You know, I want people to be empowered to do the right thing, to take care of their loved ones.'
'So, getting vaccinated is a great thing to do,' he continued.
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Dr. Michaels said the vaccine can also prevent life-threatening complications.
'Giving it to a newborn could be a significant showstopper and could result in death,' Dr. Michaels said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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