Whooping cough infections climb

 Whooping cough continues to increase sharply at both local and state levels.

Last year saw only 51 cases across the state at this time, but so far 1,193 cases have been reported in 2024, including 60 in Grant County alone. Also called pertussis, the illness has been reported in 30 other counties in the state, with 28 people hospitalized, 12 of them under the age of 1.

Since June, 60 people (ages 3 months to 43 years) are known to have caught whooping cough in Grant County. It’s highly likely there are more cases than reported. The last infection was reported on Nov. 6. One person was hospitalized. It is highly likely there are more cases of whoaoping cough than reported. Before 2024, the last person with whooping cough in Grant County was reported in 2019.

Cases of whooping cough infections have been confirmed in Moses Lake, Soap Lake and Warden. Many of the infected individuals had not been vaccinated or were not up to date with the whooping cough vaccine, Grant County Health District reports.

“The whooping cough vaccine is the best protection we have against the infection and severe illness,” the district stated in a press release. “Grant County Health District (GCHD) urges you to get the whooping cough vaccine if you are not up to date and stay home if you are sick.”

Infants are at the highest risk of severe illness. If you are pregnant or have close contact with infants, getting vaccinated is especially important to help protect them, GCHD said.

Whooping cough may begin with common cold symptoms such as runny nose but can lead to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months. 

After a week or two, you might see traditional symptoms of whooping cough:

Fits of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop”

Vomiting during or after coughing fits

Exhaustion after coughing fits

If you believe you have whooping cough, contact your doctor. If you have been exposed to whooping cough or have symptoms, call the clinic before you visit. Wear a mask and follow other clinic instructions when you go for your in-person visit.

Some people should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick if they have been around someone with whooping cough. Stay away from other people until you have completed the first five days of treatment.