Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
16 December 2011 09:26
Vaccinations to protect against whooping cough are not given to infants less than two months old
UK travellers planning to take holidays in Chicago over Christmas may want to look into arranging a comprehensive medical travel insurance policy ahead of their trip, following news of a whooping cough outbreak in Cook County and the surrounding areas.
People have been alerted to the outbreak after figures released by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) showed that 1,149 people were found to be suffering from whooping cough, or pertussis, across the state as of December 13.
Of these, 227 pertussis cases were detected in McHenry, 275 in Cook, 217 in DuPage, and 112 in Lake County, according to a release from the IDPH.
A majority of whooping cough cases have been reported in infants who are too young to receive vaccinations.
The pertussis vaccine should be administered to parents and others who come in contact with infants, according to the IDPH.
Dr Kenneth Soyemi, acting director of the IDPH, said in the release: "In general, the majority of pertussis cases, hospitalisations, and deaths occur in infants less than two months old, who are too young to be vaccinated so the key is protecting these infants and limiting their exposure.
"Pertussis vaccination for infants begins at two months, but young infants are not adequately protected until the initial series of three shots is complete at six months of age."
04 November 2019
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
[more...]
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.
30 October 2019
What quirky customs await you on your travels this Halloween?
Look past the petrifying and discover a side to the Romanian region you never knew...
14 October 2019
Bucharest is the jewel of the Balkans crown - explore the city to find a host of hidden gems.
At the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe lies a country with a story to tell. Check out these must-see sites in Croatia to learn more.
07 October 2019
With Halloween on the horizon we look for destinations across the globe with a decidedly mysterious appeal...
What should you eat in Croatia? Good question. Unrumble that tummy with our rundown of our favourite Croat cuisine.
Where's the best beach in Croatia? We answer that question and more as we look at the Adriatic beaches you won't want to miss out on...
02 October 2019
Enjoy National Pizza Month and grab a slice of history with the true story of everyone's favourite Italian flat-bread...