RCRMC Aims to Curtail the Spread of Whooping Cough by - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

RCRMC Aims to Curtail the Spread of Whooping Cough

By ,
November 27, 2013 at 01:32pm. Views: 91

Physicians and infectious disease experts at Riverside County Regional Medical Center are urging the family members and caregivers of infants and elderly seniors to make sure their own Pertussis vaccinations are up to date. Pertussis, often called whooping cough for the characteristic high-pitched whoop a sufferer makes while gasping for air, is an acute and highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection that is making a comeback in the United States after decades of decline, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Immunity from vaccination is not lifelong. “The people who often transmit the disease are healthy adolescents and adults,” said Dr. Aleca Clark, Chief of Pediatrics at RCRMC. The Moreno Valley-based hospital offers a free outpatient Pertussis vaccination to children up to age 18 who do not have private insurance (Medi-Cal is OK), and to adult family members of newborns. The clinic is open to Riverside County residents at its Family Medicine Clinic in Moreno Valley on the first and third Saturday of each month. Clark said the vaccination clinic primarily serves those who don’t have access to a primary physician. Clark said Pertussis at first can appear as a common cold with runny nose, fever and cough. Infants cannot be vaccinated until they are at least two months old, and are at especially high risk if they are exposed. The CDC reports that 40 percent of those diagnosed with whooping cough end up hospitalized. That’s why Clark said she routinely discusses the importance of Pertussis vaccination with the families of newborns. “Dads, grandmas, everyone,” Clark said. “Many people would not even know they have Pertussis,” Clark said. “Meanwhile, they may have transmitted a deadly infection. In very little time, a small child can just stop breathing. It can strike before a family is even aware.” Davalyn Tidwell, a pharmacist who oversees the vaccination campaign at RCRMC, said the increase in Pertussis is at least partly attributed to families’ recent fear and refusal of vaccinations. The vaccination clinics see between 30 and 40 adolescents a day during the summer months prior to the new school year, she said. Tidwell said the series of vaccinations for Pertussis begin at two months and continue throughout early childhood and again during adolescence and adulthood. “We constantly promote the Pertussis vaccination,” Tidwell said. “During prenatal examinations we always are telling our patients, ‘don’t forget about your family.’”

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 371

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 416

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 351

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 232

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 378

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 511

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 493

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 493

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 365

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 289

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 535

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 249

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->