Whitman County Public Health is investigating two recent epi-linked pertussis cases, which puts the county back in outbreak status, ending over 3 months of non-outbreak status.
Epi-linked means people got sick from the same source or exposure. For example, if several people who got sick all attended the same event or had contact with the same infected person, they are considered epidemiologically linked, or epi-linked.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough is a well-known and serious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It begins with cold-like symptoms and develops into a bad cough. Coughing spells can be severe, sometimes ending in gagging or vomiting. Some kids also may have a high-pitched “whoop” after they cough, which is how the disease got its common name. However, infants may not cough at all, and some teens and adults don’t have a “whoop” after they cough.
Complications of pertussis include pneumonia, loss of consciousness, seizures, apnea, and death. Severe complications are most common in infants and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Diagnosed individuals should isolate until they have completed at least 5 days of antibiotic treatment or stay home for 21 days after the onset of symptoms to avoid spreading the infection.
Health officials say immunization is the most effective way to prevent pertussis.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with pertussis are urged to reach out to Whitman County Public Health by calling 509-332-6752.
