Parents should check their children's immunization records to be certain that they are up to date on all their vaccinations. Whooping cough can have serious complications, such as pneumonia, brain dysfunction and seizure. Worldwide, whooping cough causes 300,000 deaths each year. Whooping cough may begin with a mild fever, runny nose, sneezing and an occasional cough. The coughing gradually becomes more severe, and during a coughing spell, breathing may become difficult and vomiting may occur.
Whooping cough is highly contagious.
Individuals with suspicious symptoms or who have been exposed to whooping cough should contact their doctor or health care provider for treatment. Danger lurks in gardens and yards The Rogue Valley's mild climate makes gardening a major pastime. However, a dangerous critter lurks in garden soil Tetanus bacteria. Tetanus is both a painful and life-threatening disease. The Tetanus bacteria produces a poison that attacks nerve tissues, causing muscle stiffness, rigidity and spasms.