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He said it’s “unquestionable” the rise in people infected with whooping cough is connected to more people not getting vaccinated. he also said officials at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state public health officials do not see the jump in a vaccine-preventable disease as a coincidence.

In the last 15 years, there’s been widespread publicity about reports allegedly linking vaccinations to autism, but experts haven’t found any scientific basis to support those claims.

Recently, the British Medical Journal concluded that the 1998 study that originally linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination to autism was an elaborate fraud. still, parents’ fear about immunization persists after watching shows such as “Oprah,” which featured actress Jenny McCarthy alleging there’s a connection between vaccines and autism.

In past years, Dr. Cheryl Wickham didn’t see whooping cough cases ? and when she did, it was “unusual.”

Wickman has been practicing medicine for more than 25 years and works at Saint Joseph Mercy Primary Pediatrics in Howell.

In the last 18 months, Wickham said she has seen an increase in patients who have been diagnosed with whooping cough. Patients diagnosed with the disease include toddlers, older elementary students and three high school students.

She said most patients diagnosed with the disease have received their immunization, but the problem is the immunization wears off. a key benefit of immunization is preventing patients from getting severe symptoms.

Wickham said she’s been pushing for young parents to receive immunizations to prevent them from getting the disease and possibly passing it to a child. while infants are supposed to get three pertussis immunizations before turning 1, she said they are vulnerable before they get their three shots.

As a pediatrician, Wickham said she’s a strong supporter of vaccinations and has a lot of conversations with parents if they might be concerned about the immunizations.

“There’s a lot of information out there on the Internet and media, and it may be alarming, but it’s not necessarily scientifically valid,” she said.

During her 25 years, Wickham has seen controversies come and go over immunizations. in the late 1970s, she recalled the scare that the DTP vaccine (for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) caused sudden infant death syndrome, but was later proven unfounded.

She said parents “want to do the best thing for their children, they want to protect them.”

Lawrenchuk said Livingston County has well-informed and highly educated residents who want to know what the facts are. he said he understands why residents would be searching the Internet to get the latest information, but he recommended they talk to their doctors and other health-care providers.

“We want people to make wise, intelligent decisions,” he said. “The facts show the benefits (of immunization) far outweigh the risk.”

Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Jim Totten at (517) 548-7088 or at jtotten@gannett.com.

the virus known as hepatitis a has been in the news this week after several hundred parishioners were exposed to the germ at a religious service in New York State.

Hepatitis a, often contracted through eating or drinking contaminated food or water, is a vaccine preventable disease often confused with other types of hepatitis viruses.

Hepatitis a is similar to other hepatitis viruses in that it likes to attack the liver, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Hepatitis a is very different in the way it is spread and contracted.  Hepatitis B and C, for example, are primarily spread through blood and intimate contact.

some individuals infected with hepatitis a may not display any symptoms, while others may suffer for up to nine months. Adults are more likely to show symptoms, while young children are known to spread the virus without even showing signs of illness.

who is at risk?

Anyone who may potentially ingest contaminated food or water is at risk. Traveling, living in a coastal community, eating out, consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables, swimming in a lake or ocean are just a few activities that may increase your chances.

Each year, tens of thousands of Americans will contract the hepatitis a infection. while hepatitis B and C can cause lifelong infection, hepatitis a generally resolves on its own. it is estimated, however, that about 100 people will die each year from it.

Is there a way to prevent infection?

the hepatitis a vaccine is the best way for children and adults to prevent infection. the vaccine is a two part series, each dose given six months apart. Vaccination is safe, effective and well tolerated. it is recommended and available to anyone over the age of one year.

an unvaccinated person who is exposed to hepatitis a may receive a dose of immune globulin to reduce the chances of contracting the virus.

good hand washing prior to eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom and after changing a diaper can reduce the chances of catching hepatitis a as well as many other pathogens.

Hop in now for a hepatitis a vaccine

Now is a good time to talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis a vaccine.

Your friends will be less likely to hang out with you if your eyes are glowing yellow, and I’ve always said that it is more fun to go to the beach and run than it is to sit on the beach with the runs.

Dr. Dan Brennan is a board certified pediatrician and Santa Barbara native. His column can be found on alternating Fridays in the Daily Sound. to contact Dr. Brennan, please call 563-6211 or visit SBPediatrics.com.