Health

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Sickened Thousands in 2011

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Pertussis or whooping cough was the disease that got most of the local media headlines last year, but there were two other vaccine-preventable diseases that sickened more people: influenza and chronic Hepatitis B.

In 2011 there were 2,950 influenza and 839 chronic Hepatitis B cases reported locally, compared to 426 pertussis cases.

It’s understandable the media gave more attention to whooping cough given that it reached epidemic levels in California in 2010 and prompted the passage of a new vaccination requirement for high school and middle school age kids. County public health officials would also like to remind people to immunize themselves against the flu, chronic Hepatitis B, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

“There are other common diseases that are making people ill and can be prevented by vaccinations,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “People should consult their doctor for the recommended vaccines and doses.”

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk for serious influenza complications.

Locally, influenza is at expected levels for this time of year. However, flu season sometimes can extend through the end of March or early April. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all persons age 6 months and older be vaccinated every year.

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that can be spread through contact with blood or other bodily fluids.  When a person becomes infected, the Hepatitis B virus can stay in the person’s body for the rest of one’s life and cause serious liver problems, including liver cancer. The Hepatitis B vaccine is primarily available at doctors’ offices and community clinics.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, whooping cough may eventually become more serious, particularly in infants. On a positive note, the total number of cases for these three vaccine-preventable diseases dropped last year compared to 2010.  Pertussis cases dropped from 1,144 to 426 (167 percent), influenza cases declined from 3,529 to 2,950 (20 percent) and chronic Hepatitis B cases decreased from 949 to 839 (13 percent). It must be noted, however, that 2010 was a significant year and included H1N1 (influenza) pandemic and the pertussis epidemic.

For more information about these and other vaccines, call the HHSA Immunization Branch at (866) 358-2966, or visit sdiz.org.