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Whooping Cough Cases Doubled in California This Year

Statewide, reported cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have doubled last year's number from the same time period, according to the LA Times. The increase in cases is cause for concern among health officials, who are urging parents to consider seeking vaccination for all those in the family who come in regular contact with babies.In California, four newborns have died this year from the sickness, and authorities fear this year--"346 cases from Jan. 1 to April 30, up from 129 cases during the same period" in 2009--could be even more deadly than 5 years ago, when an outbreak claimed the lives of 8 infants.
A vaccine for whooping cough became available for adults and teens in 2005, but babies are too young to partake. This is where "cocooning" can prove effective for infants, since an initial immunization isn't available until they are 6 weeks old, and even then, they need to receive a series of several booster shots. Since family members typically pass the illness to babies, having the whole family vaccinated can significantly protect the baby.
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It's been many, many years since we saw this much snow in our mountains. Going up there right now isn't safe, but here are some places where you can enjoy the view and snap a pic.
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April Valentine died at Centinela Hospital. Her daughter was born by emergency C-section. She'd gone into the pregnancy with a plan, knowing Black mothers like herself were at higher risk.
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A look at years past when snows creeped into our citified neighborhoods, away from the mountains and foothills.
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In the face of a drier future, that iconic piece of Americana is on its way out in Southern California.
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Another Missing Hiker Has Been Found Dead In San Gabriels As Search For Actor Julian Sands ContinuesBob Gregory, 62, went missing the same day as Sands. His body was recovered near Mount Islip.