Health officials: San Bernardino County baby dies from whooping cough

California health officials say a San Bernardino County infant has died from whooping cough - the first such infant death in the state since 2016.|
ASSOCIATED PRESS
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

SACRAMENTO - California health officials say an infant has died from whooping cough - the first such infant death in the state since 2016.

The Department of Public Health said Tuesday that the baby was from San Bernardino County but didn't provide any other details.

Two infants died of the disease in 2016.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory ailment that can spread through coughing.

Dr. Karen Smith, director of the state health department, says the latest death is especially tragic because the disease is preventable.

Health officials urge expectant mothers to get a whooping cough booster shot. Parents are urged to immunize babies as soon as possible.

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