SD sees increase in whooping cough cases

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PIERRE (AP) — State health officials say whooping cough cases are on the rise in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Department of Health says in a news release that whooping cough cases are up 87 percent over the five-year median. Fifty-six cases have been reported as of Oct. 3. Health officials say most of the cases are in children following an outbreak at a school.

The South Dakota Department of Health is urging parents to immunize their kids. The department provides free vaccines for children.

Whooping cough is also known as pertussis. Colleen Winter with the Department of Health says it causes uncontrollable coughing, rib fractures, pneumonia, loss of consciousness and can ultimately lead to death.

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