Mesa County has seen 15 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, since September 1, 2018. During the 2017-2018 school year, 46 cases were reported, a large increase over the six cases reported during the 2016-2017 school year.

It's important to note that babies younger than one year are at higher risk for pertussis, which can be fatal. Vaccination is key to preventing pertussis in Mesa County.

The Emerging Issues also details information on how cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) are investigated in Mesa County. No cases of AFM have been reported in Mesa County, although 15 cases have been reported elsewhere in Colorado, this year. Read the full Emerging Issues to learn more about pertussis prevention—including vaccination schedules—and AFM.