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DOVER, Del. (AP) — Whooping cough cases in Delaware have quadrupled in the past year.
The News Journal reports (http://delonline.us/1wSPCwP ) that through August, 202 cases of whooping cough have been reported to health officials. Of those cases, 187 were in Amish country, where many children do not receive vaccinations due to religious beliefs.
Delaware Division of Public Health officials say last year, only 57 cases in the area were reported.
Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection commonly spread through coughing and sneezing. Babies, young children and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to contract the infection.
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Information from: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., http://www.delawareonline.com
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