WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL2 more cases of whooping cough confirmed in Madison County

2 more cases of whooping cough confirmed in Madison County

Posted: Updated:
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -

Two more cases of whooping cough have been confirmed in Madison County, bringing the total up to nine.

One of the new cases has been reported at Riverton Intermediate School. Six cases were previously reported at Riverton Intermediate and Mount Carmel schools. 

There was also one reported case at New Hope Elementary School.

The Madison County Health Department is determining where the other infected students attends school.

School children are required to have vaccines before they enter school. The health department says the best way to prevent the spread of whooping cough is to get the vaccine.

"Vaccines are safe everything they thought research is coming back saying it is not. Vaccines are extremely safe and extremely reliable," said disease expert Blake Weber.

If you or your child have any symptoms, call your primary doctor.


Related stories:

Copyright 2012 WAFF. All rights reserved.

Whooping cough information

Updated:

What is whooping cough?Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis). It's characterized by severe coughing spells, More>>