Whooping Cough on the Rise in Denver

The city is experiencing an increase of pertussis, or whooping cough, a contagious lung infection that can be prevented through vaccination.  According to Denver Public Health, over 160 cases were reported in September alone. While anyone can contract pertussis, children and infants are especially vulnerable to the disease. Symptoms include: cough for over a week without a fever; coughing fits that causes gagging or vomiting; and a whooping sound made when gasping for breath during a coughing fit. To learn more about pertussis – and hear what whooping cough sounds like – visit denverhealth.org.