WASHINGTON, USA — On Thursday, Clark County Public Health confirmed that there is currently a significant increase in whooping cough cases this year. A high school in Clark County has also alerted parents and community members of a possible exposure to whooping cough amid the rise in cases.
In a letter sent out to parents and community members at Columbia River High School, the school briefly touched on the exposure, symptoms, and recommendations to reduce any further transmission of whooping cough.
This comes as Clark County Public Health says they've identified exposures at several schools this year, and that the county is up to 342 cases so far this year. In 2023, Clark County had 14 cases, and since June 2024, they've identified 50-70 new cases per month.
Nationwide, whooping cough is at its highest level in a decade, U.S. officials said, and this year, whooping cough cases have been increasing statewide in Oregon, according to the Oregon Health Authority. This comes vaccine exemptions are at an all-time high, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The county said of the cases identified through September, 64% had never received a whooping cough vaccine.
"With students back in school, we are concerned that whooping cough is going to continue to spread, and the numbers will continue to rise," Clark County Public Health said in a statement to KGW.
The county also says they're most concerned about children younger than 1 year being exposed to whooping cough and that they are at "the greatest risk" for serious complications.
"About 1 in 3 infants who get whooping cough are hospitalized. Through September, about 12% of the Clark County cases were among infants," the agency said.
As a means to combat and prevent the spread of whooping cough, the county highly suggests getting vaccinated, particularly asking parents and caregivers to ensure their kids are up to date on their whooping cough vaccinations. Getting vaccinated not only provides protections but ensures younger children who aren’t yet old enough to receive the full vaccination series and are less protected against illness have a lower chance of contracting whooping cough, Clark County Public Health said.
The county also encourages pregnant women to get vaccinated during the 27th to 36th week of every pregnancy, as this provides protects protect from whooping cough in the first few months of life.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause coughing fits, making it difficult to breath. It most commonly affects babies and young children, and babies see the most severe symptoms.
Anyone looking for more details on whooping cough can learn more here.
