FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16th, 2024
CONTACT:
SHD-Communications@co.snohomish.wa.us
Increase of Pertussis Cases in Snohomish County Residents
Public health officials advise staying up to date with vaccinations to prevent pertussis, also known as “whooping cough.”
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Local public health officials have confirmed an uptick of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. There have been 41 cases reported to the Snohomish County Health Department so far this year, with 11 reports in the last 2 weeks. There have been 3 schools and a childcare associated with these cases. At this time, there is no confirmed evidence of transmission in these locations.
The Snohomish County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Surveillance & Response team is monitoring this situation. Health officials have contacted all cases and impacted locations to alert them of the potential exposures. All cases and contacts have been provided education and treatment recommendations.
Pertussis is a potentially serious illness which can affect anyone at any age. Pertussis can lead to severe health problems including apnea (stopping breathing), pneumonia, syncope (passing out), seizures, and even death, particularly in very young children. Early symptoms of whooping cough may include runny nose, sneezing, and cough. After about a week, the cough typically worsens and people often experience coughing fits. Coughing fits can be severe and cause gagging or vomiting as a result.
DTaP or Tdap vaccines protect against whooping cough. Babies and young children should receive multiple doses of DTaP between ages 2 months and 6 years. Preteens (ages 11-12), or any teen or adult who has not yet been vaccinated, should receive the Tdap vaccine. People who are pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider and make sure they receive a Tdap vaccine between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy to help protect their newborn. Additionally, regular boosters are recommended in adulthood.
It is important to know that vaccinated individuals can become infected and transmit pertussis as the protection from the vaccine wanes over time. Previously vaccinated individuals will almost always have milder illness than those who are unvaccinated. Individuals currently experiencing a prolonged cough or who have been in contact with someone with pertussis should contact their doctor for testing and/or treatment.
The treatment for pertussis is with antibiotics. Antibiotics are also recommended for people with significant exposures to a person with pertussis including all household contacts, close contacts, and contacts who have a high risk of developing severe pertussis. This is to prevent them from getting sick with pertussis.
As kids go back to school and respiratory virus season approaches, it’s especially important to stay up to date with immunizations, including for flu and COVID. People can check their own or their child’s immunization status or print their Certificate of Immunization Status at https://myirmobile.com, or by contacting their medical provider.
Ask your healthcare provider more about where to find the Tdap or DTaP vaccine and all other recommended vaccines. Washington provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for kids through age 18, available from providers across the state. Providers may charge an office visit fee and an administration fee to give the vaccine. People who can’t afford the administration fee can ask to have it waived.
Call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 or go to ParentHelp123 to find a healthcare provider or immunization clinic.
To prevent spread of pertussis and other infections, such as flu and COVID, it’s important to keep up with basic illness prevention steps. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Cover coughs and sneezes. Stay home and away from others if you have symptoms of illness. If you have to leave your home while not feeling well, wear a mask to prevent spreading germs to others. Get all recommended vaccines, including flu and COVID.
More information about pertussis is available in a recent health alert to Snohomish County healthcare providers, as well as from the Washington State Department of Health and the weekly update on pertussis activity statewide.
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