Whooping Cough cases sharply higher

Confirmed cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been increasing across the state, including in Whatcom County, where at least 55 people have fallen ill.

There have been 1,303 cases confirmed so far this year throughout Washington state, while there were only 54 cases reported by the same time in 2023, according to the most recent data available from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). More cases may be under investigation that were tested within the last month and about one out of every 10 cases is reported, according to the DOH.

At last count in Whatcom County, there were 55 confirmed, equaling a transmission rate of 23.7 per 100,000 people.

The number of cases by November exceeded a typical number of yearly statewide cases, which is between 184 and 1,026 cases, according to the DOH. State health officials see whooping cough spikes every couple of years and the last epidemic was in 2012, when 4,918 cases were reported.

According to the Washington state department of health, the year-to-date incidence rate among infants under year of age is 148.3 cases per 100,000. This age cohort are among the most vulnerable to severe pertussis desease. Of the 132 infanst who have contracted pertussis, 114 were old enough to have a received one dose of the vaccine; only 24 had received at least one dose.

The highly contagious bacterial infection is preventable by vaccine. The infection can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death in babies and young children. Older children may experience a runny nose, low fever and cough that lasts up to 10 weeks or more.

Those most at risk for whooping cough include infants, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory illness.

Symptoms typically surface about five to 21 days after exposure, but are most common seven to 10 days after. Whooping cough typically spreads through face-to-face contact, as opposed to spreading through surfaces.

To prevent whooping cough, people should receive the vaccination, wash their hands, cover their cough and stay home when sick. People with a cough or runny nose are encouraged to not interact with babies or pregnant women. People who suspect they have whooping cough should isolate, ask for an evaluation from their doctor and wear a mask if they need to leave the house.

Children in Washington can receive free vaccines through the Childhood Vaccine Program. Adults can contact WCHCS at 360/778-6000 to find free vaccination

clinics.