Central Texas sees sharp rise in whooping cough, as vaccination rates drop

TEMPLE, Texas (KXXV) — Whooping cough cases are sharply rising across Central Texas, and doctors are urging vaccination to help stop the spread.

Whooping cough cases have tripled in Texas, with more than 3,500 reported since January.

Doctors say symptoms can become severe—especially for infants—leading to dangerous coughing spells.

Local health experts stress vaccinations as the most effective way to prevent infection and complications.

Watch the full story here: Central Texas sees sharp rise in whooping cough as vaccination rates drop

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

“When we call it the 100 day cough we mean it, we’re talking months of cough,” said Dr. Jamie Avila, Medical Director at Baylor Scott and White.

Whooping cough is rising throughout the state, including right here in Central Te