January 4, 2026 – Mariposa County Health & Human Services officials announce Pertussis or Whooping Cough as it's more commonly known has been on the rise across the US.

Anyone can get whooping cough, but it can be very dangerous for babies and people with certain health conditions that may be worse with whooping cough. Those who are at risk for a poor outcome should seek medical care immediately if they are concerned or have contracted pertussis.

Those that are at high risk for poor outcomes from pertussis are:

• Infants less than 1 year of age, particularly infants less than 4 months of age who have not yet received any doses of DTaP
• Pregnant persons in their third trimester
• Caregivers and household contacts of infants (e.g., family members, friends, or babysitters who spend time caring for an infant)
• All those attending or working in a childcare setting (i.e., same room)

Symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough) include:

• Make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they are finally able to inhale at the end of a coughing fit
• Vomit during or after coughing fits
• Feel very tired after the fit, but usually seem well in-between fits
• Struggle to breathe

View more information here: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis

If you have any questions, please reach out to Public Health at 209-966-3689

Source: Mariposa County Health & Human Services