Health authorities say cases of whooping cough on the rise

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Health officials say they're seeing a rise in cases of the highly contagious whooping cough in Oklahoma.<br/><br/>They're urging strict compliance with childhood immunication

Wednesday, July 20th 2005, 6:29 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Health officials say they're seeing a rise in cases of the highly contagious whooping cough in Oklahoma.

They're urging strict compliance with childhood immunication schedules.

Whooping cough causes violent coughing spells that can force air from a sufferer's lungs. Children with whooping cough may turn blue from lack of oxygen or vomit after a coughing spell.

Cases have increased annually from 22 statewide in 1996 to 120 last year. There have been three Oklahoma deaths from whooping cough this decade.

Slightly more than 120 cases are being projected for Oklahoma in 2005.

Infants should have four vaccinations from birth to age 2 and a booster shot at age 4 or 5. Shots are required for day-care and kindergarten enrollment.