Whooping Cough Cases Triple in Greater Everett Area

Last month we told you about the death of an infant from whooping cough. Now the Snohomish Health District is reporting that cases of whooping cough have tripled this year over last. Of this year’s total ill to date, 12 were infants 0-12 months, 14 were young children ages 1-5 years, 31 were children 6-17 years old, and 23 were adults. Four of the most recently ill were infants under 3 months of age. Of these, three were hospitalized, and one baby died.
Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Health Officer and Director of Snohomish Health District says he’s very concerned about the infant cases, “It’s especially important to surround infants with a protective ‘cocoon’ of immunity by immunizing their mothers, all caregivers and others who will be close to the baby.”
The initial symptoms of pertussis appear as an ordinary cold, with runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough. It progresses within two weeks to include severe coughing in fits or spasms followed by a whooping sound, and vomiting. Older children and adults may have very mild symptoms. Listen to the sounds of whooping cough here. For more information about how and where to get vaccinated contact the Snohomish Health District at (425) 339-5278.

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