Number of whooping cough cases on rise in South Florida

This Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, photo shows an empty bottle of Tetanus, Diphthera and Pertussis, (whooping cough) vaccine. Health officials say the U.S. is on track to have the worst year for whooping cough in more than five decades. Nearly 18,000 cases have been reported so far - more than twice the number seen at this point last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, July 19, 2012. At this pace, the number of whooping cough cases will surpass every year since 1959. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

This Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, photo shows an empty bottle of Tetanus, Diphthera and Pertussis, (whooping cough) vaccine. Health officials say the U.S. is on track to have the worst year for whooping cough in more than five decades. Nearly 18,000 cases have been reported so far - more than twice the number seen at this point last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, July 19, 2012. At this pace, the number of whooping cough cases will surpass every year since 1959. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

MIAMI — Health officials in South Florida say they're seeing a rise in the number of whooping cough.

The Miami Herald reports 26 cases have been confirmed in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties between Jan. 1 and July 9. Miami-Dade officials report another 10 probable cases.

Medical officials say the increase is likely caused by parents who have not had their children vaccinated.

Students in public schools are required to be vaccinated for whooping cough. There are exceptions, including for religious reasons.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can merely be a bad cough in some people. It can linger for about three months. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures, shock and death.

Officials say children under 1 are most vulnerable.

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