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Whooping Cough Cases On Rise

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico has reported 57 cases of whooping cough so far this year, 13 more than last year at this time.

The total cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, include confirmed and probable cases.

No deaths from whooping cough have been reported in the last couple of years.

But Joan Baumbach, who is medical epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health, says people should be aware.

Pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory-tract illness that is more likely to kill children under 4 months of age.

It's caused by bacteria and occurs year-round. In New Mexico.

People who have coughs that cannot be associated to something such as a cold should be tested.

Coughing spasms are the most common sign of pertussis.

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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.