This is an average incidence of 0.9 cases per 100,000 population. South Dakota has the lowest incidence of pertussis among 7 contiguous neighboring states, whereas Minnesota has the highest incidence. We suspect, however, that the low incidence of pertussis in South Dakota may be due to diagnostic and surveillance deficiencies, rather than a true low level of disease. Although pertussis can affect individuals of any age, infants are most at risk. The most cases were reported from Brown, Charles Mix and Todd Counties, while the counties of highest incidence were Faulk, Charles Mix and Fall River.
Pertussis is a serious childhood disease that is prevented by immunization.
South Dakota has a low incidence of pertussis, but we many not be detecting all of the cases. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventable disease 6 th Edition. W. Atkinson, C. Wolfe, S. Humiston, and R. Nelson editors. Preston, N.W. 2000.