12 cases of whooping cough in Mesa County since Nov.

There have been 12 cases of whooping cough in the county since Nov. of this year, that’s according to Mesa County Public Health. They say during this time last year there was just one case of the contagious respiratory disease.

Whooping cough is easily preventable with vaccination, Mesa County Public Health says. They recommend families stay up to date on DtaP and Tdap vaccination.

Here’s how the health department says you can help prevent whooping cough in our community:

• Vaccinate yourself and your family members against this illness.

• Babies need DTaP doses at two, four and six months of age and again between 15 and 18 months.

• Children need another DTaP dose between the ages of four and six.

• Children between seven and 10 years need a dose of Tdap if they’ve never been vaccinated. Children between 11 and 12 years need Tdap, as well.

• Adults need one dose of Tdap.

• Pregnant women should receive a Tdap dose during the third trimester of pregnancy.

• If you’re ill, stay home – even if it means missing a holiday celebration with family.

• Practice good handwashing. Talk with your kids about good handwashing, too.

They say you can always visit their website for more information, it's linked next to this article.