HAYDEN, ID. – The recent hospitalization of several children in the Inland Northwest for whooping cough is alarming health officials.
The Grant County Health District reports two children were hospitalized for whooping cough recently, and one of them died at a Seattle hospital.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of this baby,” said Dr. Alexander Brzezny, Grant County Health Officer. “Our hearts go out to the family during this very difficult time.”
Grant County Health District is working closely with the health care providers and those exposed to the infected children.
The Panhandle Health District reports two infants were also recently hospitalized with whooping cough and are currently in intensive care.
So far this year, 57 cases of whooping cough have been reported in the five northern counties. Last year, only six cases of whooping cough were reported in the same area for the entire year. The number of cases so far this year (through August) is eight times higher than average.
Hear what Whooping Cough sounds like: www.whoopingcough.net/Whoop-child-slightwhoop.wav
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease recognized by severe coughing spells that can cause vomiting and lack of breath. Untreated, pertussis can develop into pneumonia, seizures and encephalitis.
It’s been surging in this area since last November, indicating community-wide transmission. Children and adults in group settings, such as school, are at the highest risk for catching and spreading whooping cough, and vaccination increases the likelihood of avoiding or minimizing the effects of the disease.
The effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine fades with time. National health officials recommend a booster for children at age 11 or 12. Adults who didn’t get the vaccine as a pre-teen should get one dose.
Babies and children don’t benefit from the vaccine’s maximum protection until age 5. It’s important for anyone around them to have a current pertussis vaccination.
Whooping cough typically starts with a runny nose, but a cough quickly takes over. People spread pertussis by coughing or sneezing while they’re in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria.
People with pertussis are contagious before the cough starts and stay contagious for up to three weeks. Doctor-prescribed antibiotics can kill the infection and prevent it from spreading.
In Grant County, call the Moses Lake office for information: 509-766-7960
PHD has immunizations with the pertussis vaccine for babies, adolescents and adults. For an appointment in your county, call:
- Kootenai County – 208-415-5270
- Bonner County – 208-263-5159
- Boundary County – 208-267-5558
- Benewah County – 208-245-4556
- Shoshone County – 208-786-7474
