The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a frightening resurgence of whooping cough, or pertussis, with skyrocketing case numbers reported across Washington state, Oregon, and Idaho in 2024.

As of early November, the Oregon Health Authority confirmed over 800 cases, rapidly approaching its record of 910 cases set in 2012. The disease is striking fear into the state, especially among vulnerable populations, including infants and the elderly. Tragically, one older adult has already lost their life to the infection this year.

Whooping cough poses the highest risk for infants under one year old, leading to potentially severe complications or even death. In Oregon, pertussis cases have spread across 23 counties, with Lane County topping the list at 249 cases, followed closely by Multnomah County with 180 cases. Washington has been battling an even larger outbreak, reporting a staggering 1,193 cases compared to just 51 at the same point last year. Not to be overlooked, Idaho has also seen a concerning rise with over 700 reported cases, a significant jump from only 34 cases in the previous year.

Chris Skidmore, the public health director in Whitman County, revealed that many cases in Pullman have been linked to the student body at Washington State University, although a few cases have emerged in the general population without escalating further.

Hospitalizations are on the rise as well. In Washington, 28 people have been hospitalized, including 12 infants, while Idaho reported nine hospitalizations, with notable cases among infants and older adults. Given that symptoms may take 5 to 10 days to present, it's crucial for everyone, especially parents, to be vigilant about early signs of illness, which can initially resemble a common cold.

In its early stages, pertussis can be effectively treated with antibiotics, which can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and the potential for spreading the illness. However, once the illness escalates beyond two weeks, antibiotic treatment becomes less effective, leading to a lengthy and distressing cough that may last as long as 10 weeks or more.

Vaccination remains the most potent weapon against whooping cough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a 5-series DTaP vaccination for young children, and adolescents and adults should receive Tdap boosters to maintain immunity. Notably, vaccination during pregnancy has been shown to be highly effective, significantly reducing the risk of pertussis in newborns.

Health experts emphasize that staying proactive about vaccinations and maintaining good hygiene practices—such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks when experiencing respiratory symptoms—can help protect against the spread of this contagious disease.

This alarming uptick in whooping cough cases serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations and public health measures in preventing outbreaks and protecting our most vulnerable populations. Stay informed and take action to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones!