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July 16, 2010
July 16, 2010 - July 30, 2010
Volume XXXII, Issue 12
In This Issue...
New County Planning Director Wants a Clearer, Easier Process
Central Fire Plans Two-Tiered Pensions
Looking Toward November
Public Pensions: What They Cost and Why Reform is Looming
Scotts Valley Picks Library Contractor
County's First "Official" Graywater Systems Installed
One Large Retail Vacancy Filled, Another Waiting
Libraries' First Capital Campaign
911
What Is Happening In My Neighborhood?
Arts & Entertainment
Jackie Rocks – and Cares
Crimebeat
Crime Beat
Education
Watsonville High Principal Moves to District Post
Environment
Coasting Along California
Featured Pet
Health
Whooping Cough on Rise, Vaccine Available at County
Newsmakers
Salud Announces New CEO
Briske Joins Main Street Garden
Ekers Named Port Director
Opinions
Capitola Mayor Explains Lawsuit Decision
Sports
Cabrillo Crushers Take State Championship
July Celebrates Tennis and Running Athletes
Travel
Biking the Ho Chi Minh Trail
The Mid-County Post > Health
Whooping Cough on Rise, Vaccine Available at County
California has declared an epidemic of pertussis with four times as many cases through mid-June as last year. The stare reported 910 confirmed cases and another 600 suspected.

Santa Cruz County is also seeing a rise in cases, with 21 at latest count.

The disease is commonly known as whooping cough for its most audible symptom. However, in infants who face the most danger from the disease, it first appears to be a mild cold with a runny nose.

Five infants died in the state between January and May this year, none in Santa Cruz County. Pertussis was a leading cause of death in young children before a vaccine was developed in the 1930s.

Although the series of vaccinations is highly recommended for infants, some parents opt out after widespread but unproven concerns that it may have a link to autism.

What is certain is that the cough is highly contagious and can be deadly for young children, and that its spread is on the rise.

The summer months are considered the peak season for the disease. Adults who were vaccinated as children lose their immunity and can contract the disease. They can then spread it to family members and others.

The World Health Organization reported 151,568 cases of pertussis worldwide in 2008, with global vaccination rate estimated between 82 and 87 percent.

Europe has the highest vaccination rates, with the lowest in Africa.

Can't Afford the Shot?

Those without insurance coverage can get a vaccine for a $15 administrative charge through the Santa Cruz County Public Health Department clinics: 1080 Emeline Ave. in Santa Cruz, 454-4100 9 Crestview Drive in Watsonville, 763-8400 Times: 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
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