PULLMAN, Wash. — Whitman County Public Health announced a rise in whooping cough cases at , confirming a total of 18 cases as of Oct. 8.
An investigation is underway into the whooping cough outbreak among the WSU student population, as well as one case reported outside the campus. The county is advising that individuals currently diagnosed with the illness isolate themselves until they complete a five-day course of antibiotics prescribed by their healthcare provider.
Isolation means staying away from others, including avoiding work, school, and public places. Public Health officials emphasize the importance of remaining at home to prevent the spread of the infection. Infants under 12 months and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are at the highest risk of severe illness from pertussis, so extra precautions should be taken to protect these vulnerable populations.
If individuals need to seek healthcare or leave isolation for any reason before completing the five-day antibiotic regimen, they are advised to wear a mask to prevent further transmission of the disease.
County Health officials urge the community to be aware of the circulating whooping cough cases.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.
It begins with cold-like symptoms and can develop into severe coughing spells, sometimes leading to gagging or vomiting. Children may exhibit a high-pitched “whoop” after coughing, which is how the disease received its common name. However, infants may not cough at all, and some teens and adults may not have the characteristic “whoop.” Complications of pertussis can include pneumonia, syncope (fainting), seizures, apnea (pauses in breathing), and even death, with severe complications being most common in infants.
If you are a student or employee at WSU contact Cougar Health Services at 509-335-3575 or your healthcare provider if you believe you may have pertussis.
More information can be found here: https://whitmancountypublichealth.org/assets/globals/WCPH-Press-Release-Pertussis-10.2.24.pdf?v=1728078755
