Whooping Cough Outbreak Reported In Ocean County: Report

An outbreak of whooping cough has been reported in Ocean County, according to a media report.

The Asbury Park Press is reporting that three cases of the respiratory disease were reported last week in Lakewood.

Whooping cough, known formally as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes violent coughing fits and a characteristic “whooping” sound, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The bacterial infection can be deadly in infants.

The Press report said the Ocean County Health Department says the cases are centered in Lakewood’s Orthodox Jewish communities and appear related to an outbreak of whooping cough in Brooklyn.

The health department is reaching out to members of local Orthodox communities and adults throughout Ocean County and urging Tdap vaccination for everyone who has contact with small children, the Press report said.

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