The Department of Public Health is investigating an outbreak of whooping cough in Kent County’s Amish population.
Whooping Cough, or pertussis, is characterized by severe coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. It is highly contagious and can cause severe illness in infants and small children.
The state has confirmed at least 97 cases among its Amish population this year and now says the disease has spread to a Kent County child outside of the Amish community.
Director of Public Health Dr. Karyl Rattay calls this an extremely serious situation, and the agency recommends all Delawareans make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations.
For children to be fully immunized for whooping cough five doses of the vaccine are required between 2 months and six years old.
The disease can be treated with antibiotics.