SoCal Baby Dies From Whooping Cough, First In State Since 2016

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — An infant has died from pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in Southern California— the first such death to be recorded in the Golden State since 2016, public health officials announced Tuesday. The baby lived somewhere in San Bernardino County and was less than six months old.

"This infant's death is a tragedy for the family and our community," said San Bernardino Health Officer Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare in a news release. "My sincerest condolences are extended to the family at this difficult time."

Health officials said that outbreaks of whooping cough tend to happen every three to five years. The last epidemic happened in 2014 when there were more than 11,000 cases reported in California.

"With a steady increase [of whooping cough cases] statewide, the next outbreak is expected this year or in 2019," the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health said.

Infants face the greatest risks with whooping cough, so health officials urge pregnant women to get the vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks gestation.

"Whooping cough antibodies transferred from vaccinated mothers to their infants help protect babies until they are old enough to be vaccinated," the health department said.

Pertussis usually starts with flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, fever and a mild cough. The symptoms may be mild and brief, or last for weeks, and are often followed by severe coughing fits.

In children, coughing spells end with a whooping sound. However, infants may not reveal the typical symptoms but instead turn red or purple from hampered breathing, according to health officials.

Learn more about whooping cough from the California Department of Public Health here.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Image via Shutterstock