Rise in whooping cough cases is normal says health official

Tue, 31 Jul 2012

The Director of Public Health says it's normal to see a rise in cases of whooping cough every few years.

Yesterday, Health Officials urged parents to make sure their youngsters are vaccinated as the number of cases reported this year rose to nine.

The illness can be extremely severe in young babies and lead to complications.

Whooping cough hadn't been seen on the Island at all during the previous three years.

Periodic peaks are expected but Dr Parameshwaren Kishore says it's been higher than normal.[play media file below]