Number of cases nationwide double this time last year

Smithtown, NY (SmithtownRadio.com) - New York ranks among the top states with abnormally high cases of whooping cough this year.

The Center for Disease Control says nearly 18,000 cases have been reported so far this year nationwide, double the number seen by this date last year.

On Thursday, the Commack school district notified parents of the Cougar summer camp an individual at the camp had come down with the highly contagious respiratory disease. Smithtown’s string of cases begin a year ago and have effected all of our area school districts.

Continuing Coverage: Whooping Cough in School

Suffolk County health official reminds parents the best defense against the illness is vaccination. A combination Tetanus/Pertussis vaccine is available and parents or physicians with questions about pertussis may contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Division of Public Health at 631-853-3055.