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Doctors warn of new clusters of highly contagious whooping cough

ATLANTA — Doctors are warning parents about a powerful infection they are seeing in local emergency rooms.

Channel 2's Linda Stouffer spoke with doctors as they discussed why they think whooping cough is showing up and their concerns because more people will be getting together over the holidays.

Doctors said whoop;ing cough gets its name from the way people who have it cough: with a raspy gasp..

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Emergency workers at Children’s Healthcare Atlanta are seeing a new cluster of cases of the disease, also known as pertussis.

“In a young baby, it can be extremely serious, and we have had children who die every year, who died from complications from pertussis,” said Dr. Andi Shane, of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “The main challenge is children who are coughing a lot and unable to drink or eat well or stay hydrated.”

Shane said the disease is highly contagious. Some young patients who are coming in have not been vaccinated.

Others, however, are just not old enough to have the full protection from the shot, due to the intervals at which it is scheduled, so they are vulnerable.

She wants parents to keep up with their baby’s vaccine schedule and check about a booster as children get older.

“It’s really important. These vaccines help us, and they are the best tool we have for fighting pertussis,” Shane said.  “In addition, every pregnant person should receive a pertussis vaccine during pregnancy.”

Pediatricians suggest keeping your hands clean, especially as you see people during holidays, and covering your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.

If a baby seems to have a hard time breathing, call a doctor immediately.