PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Late last week, the South Dakota Department of Health reported the death of a child due to a co-infection of Pertussis and influenza.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton says reports of Pertussis– or whooping cough– started in the state’s population centers in October and have been spreading out from there.

Prior to this case, the most recent Pertussis death in South Dakota happened in 2023, also in a child.

Clayton says influenza is another respiratory illness currently making the rounds.

COVID-19 is still around and Clayton says it’s typical to see an increase in the number of people being treated for that this time of year.

Clayton says if you’ve been meaning to get a flu shot or COVID booster, you still have time to do that and benefit from the protection the vaccines provide.

Clayton encourages people to take precautions against respiratory illnesses such as:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze;
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand gel;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
• Avoid close contact with sick people; and
• If you are sick, limit contact with others.