Texas Whooping Cough Outbreak: Worst In 50 Years As Number Looks To Rise About 3,000 By 2014

Texas whooping cough outbreak: The worst the state has seen in over 50 years, according to the Department of State Health Services after issuing an alert, which also caused doctors to be advised on what to do to diagnose and treat the pertussis.

The Texas whooping cough outbreak has caused 1,935 people within the state to be diagnosed with the pertussis disease as of Aug. 27.

A large number of the cases are concentrated in the Fort Worth-Arlington area, according to the department. In Tarrant County alone, there were 433 cases involved with the Texas whooping cough outbreak.

"If you have a cough, stay away from the babies," Russell Jones, Tarrant County chief epidemiologist told newsoxy.com. "If you're exposed to pertussis and you know it, go to a physician."

Babies might not have the shots to be caught up with older people in order to help prevent this disease from becoming deadly.

Officials said that by the end of 2013, the number of victims will be more than the 2009 total of 3,358 people.

"This is extremely concerning. If cases continue to be diagnosed at the current rate, we will see the most Texas cases since the 1950s," Dr. Lisa Cornelius, Texas Department of State Health Services infectious diseases medical officer, said in a statement. "Pertussis is highly infectious and can cause serious complications, especially in babies, so people should take it seriously."

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