San Miguel Infant Dies from Pertussis

The New Mexico Department of Health reports that a two-month old infant living in San Miguel County died late last week from whooping cough, also known as pertussis.  It’s the first pertussis-related infant death in New Mexico since 2005.

State health officials reported an especially high number of pertussis cases in Bernalillo County this past fall.  Department of Health Secretary Dr. Catherine Torres is encouraging all New Mexicans to make sure their vaccinations are up to date, especially those who may come in contact with a newborn.