Maine families have good reason to be worried about this highly contagious, bacterial infection of the lungs that causes prolonged, severe coughing. Whooping cough is especially dangerous to newborns and infants-- that's why parents, older siblings, and other caregivers should all be vaccinated. Cumberland, Androscoggin, Penobscot and Somerset Counties have been hardest hit. And with school now back in session, the fear is whooping cough will spread even more.
So far, more grade school children are getting whooping cough than the other age groups. Doctors believe the recent outbreak is directly related to the fact that the state of Maine does not require children to be vaccinated to go to school.
A new study has found that the whooping cough vaccine tends to wear off and become less effective as time goes on. The CDC recommends a booster shot for anyone over age 10.
Related Stories
- More Local News
- National News
- International News
- Maine gov. signs suicide prevention education bill
- House to debate Maine hospital debt repayment
- Northern Maine paper mill to get new owner
- NH's Shea-Porter introduces pipeline amendment
- Maine psychologist pleads guilty to fraud
- 2 lawsuits filed against Maine Catholic church
- State determines OOB employee retaliated against
- LePage: Eliminate Maine's income tax
- Central Maine Power sued by contractor for $43M
- Defendant in Lewiston fork stabbing freed
Pump Patrol Gas Card Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a $100 Irving Oil Gift card!
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes!
WGME Top Stories
Business News
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"DANCING WITH THE STARS"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Zendaya or Kellie Pickler will be winning the mirrorball trophy.
Get This
GW-GYM FLOOR
WASHINGTON (AP) -- George Washington University students will soon be walking all over the White House and the Capitol, too.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: iPHONE RECOVERED AFTER THEFT IN OREGON
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A smartphone, plus a not-so-smart criminal -- equals an arrest in Oregon.

