PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported a sharp rise in the number of pertussis cases, also known as whooping cough. The agency is encouraging people to get vaccinated against the disease.
As of May 29, 178 cases have been reported to OHA's Public Health Division, compared to 20 cases that were reported by the same last year — a 770% increase.
"Our concern is with how quickly we jumped to such a high number of pertussis cases, which tell us that the disease is doing what it does best: spreading fast and taking a greater toll on undervaccinated persons," said Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Public Health Division.
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.
Nine counties in Oregon so far have reported cases this year, with Lane County seeing the most at 64, followed by Multnomah County with 41. School-aged children and adolescents make up about half of the cases (52%), and a little more than half (55%) are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations, OHA said.
The agency recommends vaccinations for babies over two months, children, adolescents and adults. The agency said children should receive the DTaP vaccine — which covers diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis — at the ages of 2, 4, 6 and 15-18 months, and again at the age of four to Kindergarten age.
Pertussis is cyclical, and before the pandemic, pertussis peaked every three to five years, OHA said. According to the agency, 910 cases were reported in 2012; the highest annual count since 1953.
