Skagit County, Washington

June 15, 2017

Nine whooping cough cases confirmed in Skagit County

Skagit County Public Health has confirmed nine cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the county as of today, June 15, 2017, and actively investigating other possible cases.

Early symptoms of whooping cough can last for one to two weeks and usually include the following:

• Runny nose
• Low-grade fever (generally minimal throughout the course of the disease)
• Mild, occasional cough
• Apnea – a pause in breathing (in babies)

As the disease progresses, the traditional symptoms of whooping cough may appear, including the following:

• Fits of coughing
• Coughing that ends in a high-pitched "whoop" or gasp
• Vomiting during or after coughing fits
• Exhaustion after coughing fits
• Episodes of skin turning blue during or after coughing fits

Whooping cough is most dangerous for babies. About half of babies younger than one year who get the disease need care in the hospital.

If you or a loved one show any of the above symptoms, Skagit County Public Health recommends that you go to a healthcare provider for assessment. Effective treatment is available for whooping cough and to protect your family. If given early, the treatment can help reduce symptoms and reduce the potential risk of infecting others.

Skagit County Public Health is working closely with local healthcare partners to monitor and respond to reported cases of whooping cough.

If you have any further questions, please contact Skagit County Public Health at 360-416-1500. For more information about whooping cough, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/signs-symptoms.html.