CLARK COUNTY, Wash. — The number of cases of whooping cough is four times higher than it was last year, according to Clark County, with 60 cases of whooping cough identified by county officials.
The news that whooping cough is on the rise in Clark County comes after Oregon health officials reported on May 29 that 178 cases had been identified across the state, a 770% increase over the same time last year.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly infectious respiratory illness that spreads through the air. It's especially serious for babies younger than 1.
For the first couple weeks, the symptoms of whooping cough aren't that different from a common cold. After that, though, people with whooping cough can develop aggressive coughing fits that leave them gasping for air. Symptoms can be different for babies; they might not cough but instead experience life-threatening pauses in breathing, gagging or gasping.
"Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect not only yourself but the babies and young children around you from getting whooping cough," said Dr. Alan Melnick, health officer and public health director for Clark County. "Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents or caregivers who don't know they have it."
According to officials, children 4 years and younger make up more than half of the cases of whooping cough in Clark County. Among those children, 78% have never received a vaccine protecting them against the disease. Among all cases in the county, 62% have never received the vaccination.
Whooping cough vaccination is recommended for babies, children, preteens, pregnant women and adults who have never received a TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine, officials say.
Babies need three doses of the DTaP (diptheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine, given at 2, 4 and 6 months old, to build protection. They then receive two additional doses as young children – one at 15-18 months old, the second at 4-6 years – to maintain that protection, according to Clark County officials.
