Whooping Cough Cases Rise in Island County, Officials Report 65 Infections

Island County Public Health confirmed on December 19 that the county had recorded 65 cases of pertussis commonly known as whooping cough, prompting case investigation and contact tracing efforts across the islands. Health staff worked with clinicians and affected families to identify exposures, notify close contacts, and recommend vaccination or preventive antibiotics when appropriate to reduce further transmission.

Pertussis typically begins with mild cold like symptoms including runny nose and low grade fever before progressing to severe coughing spells that can be prolonged and cause vomiting or difficulty breathing. Infants under one year are at greatest risk for serious complications including pneumonia, hospitalization, and life threatening breathing problems. Older children and adults may have intense coughing fits that interfere with sleep and daily activities.

Public health officials urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children are up to date on routine vaccinations, and reminded the public that pertussis is vaccine preventable. Health guidance emphasizes immunization for close contacts of infants, people who work with children, and those whose immunity may have waned. Pregnant people are also advised to stay current with recommended vaccinations to help protect newborns through maternal antibodies.

Residents should seek medical care immediately for infants who have any coughing, difficulty breathing, poor feeding, or pauses in breathing. For older children and adults, seek care if coughing is persistent, if coughing causes vomiting, or if there are symptoms of severe illness such as blue tinted skin or fainting. Clinicians can test for pertussis and advise on treatment and prophylaxis for household members.

Island County Public Health is coordinating immunization clinics and case reporting with local healthcare partners to improve access and reach communities that face barriers to care. Residents who need vaccinations or who have concerns about exposures should contact Island County Public Health or their primary care provider for information about clinics, eligibility, and reporting procedures. Ensuring timely vaccination, early care for infants, and equitable outreach will be critical to protecting the countys most vulnerable residents and slowing the spread of this vaccine preventable disease.