Outbreaks of measles in Garden City and Whooping Cough, or Pertussis, in Riley county are underscoring the importance of vaccinations. Ellis County Health Administrator Butch Schlyer says each year his office investigates a few potential cases of Pertussis, but so far he’s not seeing those illnesses in the area.

The Tdap vaccine, which now includes the Pertussis booster, is being recommended for parents of newborn babies, as well as, anyone else who needs those vaccines.

Schlyer says so far the flu has been mild, but they are seeing an increase in cases in Northwest Kansas.