LOGAN, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Health officials say an outbreak of Pertussis has been reported in Cache Valley.
Bear River Health Department officials say 7 confirmed cases have been detected, with two other probable patients being treated. The outbreak started a week ago when mecical tests confirmed two 5th grade students at North Park Elementary in North Logan had the disease.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious, bacterial disease that causes severe, prolonged coughing fits.
Health officials said so far the outbreak is isolated to students at North Park Elementary.
They said students who have not completed the proper series of vaccinations and booster shots against Pertussis may be required to stay home by school officials.
Bear River Health Department Communicable Disease specialist Leona Goodsell told ABC 4 News that every child should be vaccinated against Pertussis, even during an outbreak. People most at risk are infants under 12 months old and pregnant woman. However children ages 11 or 12 years old, are uniquely susceptible. ABC 4 is told the vaccine begins to wear off 5 - 12 years after the shot is given. If children are vaccinated as infants they may need the shot again at age 11 or 12.
For more information on the Pertussis outbreak, go to the
Bear River Health Department website.
Stay tuned to ABC 4 News and ABC4.com for more on this story.
