Mt. Carmel High Student Among New Whooping Cough Cases

A 16-year-old Mt. Carmel High School student was one of four new cases of whooping cough where public exposure might have occurred announced Wednesday by county health officials.

The 16-year-old was due for a booster shot, according to a county news release. This and the other three cases in Oceanside, San Marcos and San Diego Unified school districts bring the total number of pertussis cases this year to 116, officials said.

"Pertussis is still very active in our community, said Eric McDonald, county deputy public health officer. "We encourage people to get vaccinated. It's the best defense we have against spreading this disease."

San Diego County had a record 1,144 cases of whooping cough in 2010. State and local health officials recommend that residents get vaccinated by their primary care doctor or by visiting a county public health center.

Starting July 1, all students entering seventh through 12th grade in county public and private schools will have to show proof they've had a Tdap booster shot before beginning school.

For more information, visit sdiz.org