SANDPOINT, Idaho – Whooping cough is on the rise according to the Panhandle Health District (PHD).
There have been 19 cases of whooping cough in 2024 so far according to PHD compared to just 9 cases reported across northern Idaho from 2021 to 2023.
Most of the confirmed cases have afflicted children.
The ailment is also on the rise in southwest Idaho, with 25 cases being reported across the region in 2024 compared to just 5 during the same timeframe last year.
Pertussis vaccines are available through medical providers, pharmacists and public health district offices. Whooping cough is most dangerous for infants under 1-year-old. Vaccines are available for infants, children, adults and pregnant people according to PHD.
Additional vaccination information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
