Washington State sees steep increase in whooping cough cases

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is alerting residents to a significant increase in reported cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. As of November 2, 1,193 cases have been reported statewide, a sharp increase from just 51 cases reported this time last year.

The bacterial infection has been reported in 31 counties across the state, with Chelan, Clark, and Whitman counties experiencing the highest rates.

Health officials report 28 people have been hospitalized, including 12 infants under the age of one. Infants, particularly those under one year old, face the highest risk for severe illness and death. Some infants may not display typical coughing symptoms but can experience dangerous pauses in their breathing.

"The surge in pertussis cases is a stark reminder of how critical vaccinations are in protecting our most vulnerable, especially infants for whom it can be life threatening," said Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, M.D., pediatrician and Chief Science Officer at DOH. "To protect babies from whooping cough, people of all ages should get up to date on pertussis vaccination, and anyone with symptoms should see a health care provider to see if testing and antibiotic treatment are needed."

The highly contagious infection typically begins with common cold symptoms such as runny nose but can progress to severe coughing fits lasting weeks or months.

Prevention Measures

Health officials emphasize vaccination as the most effective prevention method. The DOH recommends:

• Pregnant individuals receive the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
• Children complete four doses of pertussis vaccine before 18 months of age
• All families and caregivers interacting with infants and young children maintain current vaccinations

The state's Childhood Vaccine Program offers free or low-cost vaccinations for children under 19. Healthcare providers can be located through the DOH website at https://ncw.social/3h6fyxzv.

Treatment and Monitoring

Antibiotic treatment for infected individuals helps reduce transmission. Preventive antibiotics may be prescribed for exposed individuals before symptoms appear.

The DOH continues to monitor the outbreak closely, working with local health officials in affected communities. Weekly updates on whooping cough cases are available through DOH's Pertussis Weekly Update at https://ncw.social/2p8esmbm, released every Friday.

Healthcare officials advise individuals experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider and follow standard respiratory illness precautions, including staying home when sick and covering coughs and sneezes.

For more information about symptoms, the public is directed to visit the CDC's website at https://ncw.social/yckzfhck.