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June 20, 2003
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
Officials Warn of Pertussis Outbreak
Albany Times Union (www.timesunion.com)
(06/19/03) P. B1; Hughes, Claire
An outbreak of pertussis in Albany County, N.Y.,
has infected 19 adolescents and adults so far this year. The county recorded
just 15 cases of the illness for all of 2002. Health officials in New York are
warning residents to be alert if they develop a chronic cough, because failure
to treat pertussis could lead to serious complications and even death. Pertussis
vaccinations are required for children; however, the vaccine is only 80 percent
effective and it fades over time, according to county epidemiologist Carol
Killian.
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