A cluster of whooping cough is growing on Long Island, with dozens of people infected by the virus.
As CBS 2’s Hazel Sanchez reports, a warning was sent out as children begin to head to summer camp – a certain breeding ground for the illness.
Parents in Smithtown are on high alert, as the highly contagious whooping cough is spreading through their community.
At least 40 people in Suffolk County, mostly children, have been diagnosed with Pertussis, the virus more commonly known as whooping cough.
Now that kids are entering camp season, and will be surrounded by other children for weeks, the Suffolk County Department of Health has sent letters to camp directors with information to give to parents and staff on how to protect the children and themselves.
Doctors say making sure your child’s immunizations are up to date is the best prevention for whooping cough.
The vaccine is 100 percent effective in preventing the virus preemptively, but if you do get whooping cough, the vaccine also helps to alleviate the symptoms.
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Around here, children aren’t accepted into camp without their immunizations being current. Each camper needs a complete physical and a form must be completed by the physician.