Public health officials encourage whooping cough vaccinations

Los Angeles County Health officials this week encouraged residents who live or work with infants or toddlers to make sure they've been vaccinated against the whooping cough. The confirmed number of whooping cough, or pertussis, has been on the rise in L.A. County, with 148 cases reported so far this year. Of those, 70 have been confirmed for pertussis, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Pertussis causes intense coughing and related vomiting, which can lead to pneumonia and seizures, especially in infants and toddlers, who are most susceptible to the illness. Most cases are transmitted through siblings or adult caretakers who have not been vaccinated for the disease, health officials warned.