No confirmed Cases of Whooping Cough In Missoula [AUDIO]

Gallatin County is experiencing a pertussis outbreak also known as the whooping cough, with 39 confirmed cases. There has been one confirmed case in Lewis and Clark county, and two cases were confirmed in Park County last week. There are no lab confirmed cases of whooping cough in Missoula County at this time. Whooping cough, is a highly infectious disease of the respiratory tract. Infectious Disease Nurse at the Missoula City County Health Department Cindy Hotchkiss  says be sure you are up to date  on your DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis)

Hotchkiss  warns that while the cough can be treated with antibiotics, it is more dangerous for the elderly and infants. You can get the vaccine at your Doctors office or at the Missoula City County Health Department