Health officials in Alabama are investigating an outbreak of six cases of pertussis — commonly referred to as whooping cough — across multiple schools in Chambers County.
Alabama Department of Public Health's Immunization Division is taking steps to inhibit the possibility of further infections.
"Our concern is that children who have been vaccinated have contracted the disease," said Dr. Karen Landers, MD, assistant state health officer. "We also want to make sure that we take all the necessary steps to follow up fully with those who have been exposed and educate those who may have come in contact with a person currently ill with the disease."
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Pertussis is a bacterial illness spread by person-to-person contact and causes uncontrollable, violent coughing, which can persist for weeks or months.
To learn more about pertussis, click here.
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