THE Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is reporting a dramatic increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases, underscoring the importance of vaccination, particularly for young children and infants. As of early November, 1,193 cases have been documented statewide, a stark rise from just 51 cases at this time last year. The surge has impacted 31 counties, with notable clusters in Chelan, Clark, and Whitman counties, where rates are highest.
Whooping cough is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Early symptoms resemble a mild cold, but severe coughing fits can develop, sometimes lasting weeks or even months. This illness poses significant risks to infants, who may experience life-threatening pauses in breathing and are especially vulnerable to severe complications. As of November 2, 28 individuals have been hospitalized, including 12 infants under the age of 1.
“The surge in pertussis cases is a stark reminder of the need for vaccinations to protect our most vulnerable, especially infants for whom it can be life-threatening,” said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, Chief Science Officer at DOH.
To counter the spread, DOH is urging healthcare providers to ensure patients are up-to-date on vaccinations. This includes the Tdap vaccine for pregnant women between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, which can provide newborns with immunity during the early months of life. For young children, DOH recommends four doses of the pertussis vaccine by 18 months.
Antibiotic treatment remains a vital intervention for infected individuals and can help prevent the disease in exposed, asymptomatic individuals. Additionally, standard respiratory precautions like staying home when sick and covering coughs remain essential in reducing transmission.
Washington health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with local health departments to support affected areas. The DOH provides weekly updates on the state’s pertussis cases, while its Childhood Vaccine Program offers free or low-cost vaccinations to families under 19, aiming to curb further spread and protect at-risk groups.
Reference: Washington State Department of Health. Washington state sees steep increase in whooping cough cases. November, 2024. Available at: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-state-sees-steep-increase-whooping-cough-cases. Last accessed: November 14, 2024.
