SAN ANTONIO - An outbreak of whooping cough in Central Texas and other parts of the nation has the San Antonio Metropolitan Heath Department on high alert.
Metro Health director Dr. Thomas Schlenker is now urging adults to take a more aggressive approach in getting immunized.
The disease can lead to infant death. It’s a common disease and according to the Centers for Disease Control it peaks every few years. It’s happening right now and this time doctors say it's time for parents and child care takers to get immunized because they can easily pass it on to children.
“Whooping cough shot, the DPT shot is longer just for kids,” explained Dr. Schlenker.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is making its way across Central Texas with more than 100 cases reported since January. It’s already become an epidemic in Washington State with nearly 3,000 cases.
In San Antonio the cases are up. This time last year there were 15 reported cases of whooping cough. This year there are 25 reported cases.