WHITMAN COUNTY, Wash. – Whitman County Public Health is warning of whooping cough spreading after two WSU students were diagnosed on Tuesday.
WCPH confirmed the cases of B. pertussis also known as whooping cough and say they believe there are additional cases in the area.
Symptoms of the illness include cold-like symptoms and develops into a bad cough. Some people may experience coughing spells and might even ‘whoop’ after they cough.
WCPH say that a vaccine for the illness is available, and people should be aware of the illness in the community.
Whooping cough is spread from person-to-person and the spread occurs through large respiratory droplets.
Testing for whooping cough is available and if caught early it can be treated with anti-biotics. WCPD says infected people should have completed 5 days of antibiotics or stay home for 21 days after symptoms begin.
