There are two infant deaths linked to whooping cough in Louisiana. The fatalities of two babies are why parents say it’s now more important than ever to use caution.
State leaders describe it as the worst whooping cough outbreak in the past 30 years.
“I’m genuinely shocked, I didn’t know that was happening or going on,” said Munira Schofield.
Parents are stunned to learn of more than 360 confirmed cases of the infection.
Some cases are becoming more severe, even causing two infants to die in Louisiana.
“It’s kind of scary to know something as small as a cough that people can brush off can evolve into something bigger,” said Schofield.
Doctors say a cough is just one of the symptoms.
“It’s just that parents have become more skeptical about vaccinations, especially with infants,” said Dr. Veronica Lewis
Pediatrician Veronica Lewis tells me, infants are most vulnerable to getting infected, and it’s important for parents not to ignore the signs.
“You know some parents might brush off that runny nose, cough, or congestion, but if they notice a more harsh or rhythmic cough, especially to the point where the child is forcibly coughing,” said Lewis.
The rise in cases is prompting parents like Schofield to take more precautions to keep her little one safe.
“If I can prevent my child from having to go to the hospital because of something as catastrophic as potentially dying from whooping cough, I will do the necessary preventative measures to take care of that,” said Schofield.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, sharing concerns over the historic outbreak, in a statement he says in part, “No child in Louisiana should die from a vaccine-preventable disease. Please protect your children with a vaccine.”
READ MORE:Whooping cough cases rapidly rise in Louisiana, leading to two deaths
