Missouri has seen an increase in confirmed and probable cases of pertussis through the first half of 2012. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable respiratory disease that can be passed easily from person-to-person. Pertussis is caused by a bacteria found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person and is spread when that person coughs, sneezes or talks. Pertussis is a year-round disease that typically peaks in the fall and winter during cold and flu season. The best way to protect against pertussis is vaccination. 

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