Washington health officials note 'sharp increase' in whooping cough cases

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Cases of whooping cough continue to rise in Washington with nearly 1,200 cases reported so far this year, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

Health officials say the 1,193 cases recorded as of Nov. 2, 2024 are a “sharp increase” from the 51 cases reported by November last year. So far, at least 28 people have been hospitalized due to the disease — including 12 infants.

Cases have been recorded in 31 counties, but the highest number of cases have been seen in Chelan, Clark and Whitman counties, according to the department.

Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, a pediatrician and chief science officer with the DOH, called the steep rise in cases “a stark reminder of how critical vaccinations are in protecting our most vulnerable, especially infants for whom it can be life threatening.”

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that typically begins with common cold symptoms but develops into weeks or months of severe coughing fits, according to the DOH. It is highly contagious and especially dangerous for babies before their first birthday.

“To protect babies from whooping cough, people of all ages should get up to date on pertussis vaccination, and anyone with symptoms should see a health care provider to see if testing and antibiotic treatment are needed,” Kwan-Gett said. 

Those who contract whooping cough are encouraged to seek antibiotic treatment through their doctor. Those who have been exposed to whooping cough can also take antibiotic treatment to prevent infection.