Six new cases of whooping cough were reported this week acrossSan Diego County with possible exposure to the public, includingone in Oceanside.

The confirmed cases this week included an 18-month-old childattending Pepper Tree Montessorri School in Oceanside. The otherfive children ranged in age from 5 to 17 years old and attendedschools in Del Mar, San Diego, Santee and Chula Vista, according tothe county Health and Human Services Agency.

This year, there have been 1,083 confirmed cases countywide ofpertussis —- better known as whooping cough —- almost threetimes the previous record set in 2005 and far more than the 143reported last year, the county agency reported.

“It is very important that both adolescents and adults —-especially those who take care of or have children in the home —-get their booster shot to help decrease the spread of thisvaccine-preventable disease,” said Wilma Wooten, public healthofficer for the county.

The California Department of Public Health declared a whoopingcough epidemic in late June after the number of cases statewidebegan to spike.

Across the state, there have been 7,297 confirmed, probable andsuspected cases, according to a report recently released by theCalifornia Department of Public Health, which says the infectionrate is the highest seen since 1958.

Whooping cough starts with coldlike symptoms, manifesting insevere coughing fits 10 to 12 days later. Patients drawing a rapidbreath after prolonged coughing can make a characteristic whoopingsound.

The cough can last for weeks or even months. The bacterialinfection is generally treated with antibiotics.

The disease is most dangerous for infants who cannot beginreceiving vaccinations until they are 2 months old. Immunizationshots usually are administered when a child is 2, 4, 6 and 18months old as well as when they are between 4 and 6 years old.Booster shots are recommended when they are 10 or 11 years old.Adults should receive a booster every decade to maintainimmunity.

Call staff writer Stacy Brandt at 760-901-4009.