Washington Faces Surge in Whooping Cough Cases as Outbreak Hits 31 Counties

U.S. Medical News: The state of Washington is grappling with a serious outbreak of whooping cough, or pertussis, with cases now reported in 31 of its counties. As of early November, 1,193 infections have been confirmed, a staggering rise from the mere 51 cases recorded at the same time last year.
https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/348-254-PertussisUpdate.pdf
 

Washington Faces Surge in Whooping Cough Cases as Outbreak Hits 31 Counties

This resurgence of whooping cough has brought particular concern in counties such as Chelan, Clark, and Whitman, where the highest infection rates have been documented.
 
Health officials across the state are working hard to contain the spread. Benton Franklin Health District, for example, has managed to keep its number of cases relatively low, with only 11 reported. Dr. Steven Krager, a health officer with the district, praised the efforts of the local infectious disease team in mitigating the outbreak's impact. However, he stressed that the primary focus remains on protecting the most vulnerable, especially infants, who face the highest risks from this illness. According to Krager, “Our biggest goal is protecting those most vulnerable among us.” This U.S. Medical News report emphasizes that vaccination is essential to curb the spread of this highly contagious infection, which is especially dangerous for infants who are too young to be vaccinated.
 
Whooping Cough Cases Climb Across Washington and the US
Washington’s outbreak reflects a concerning national trend. Across the United States, over 20,000 whooping cough cases have been reported this year, with seven states, including Washington, experiencing more than 1,000 cases each.
https://wonder.cdc.gov/nndss/static/2024/44/2024-44-table990.html
 
Health officials, including Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, chief science officer for the Washington State Department of Health, urge the public to get vaccinated to protect against this potentially deadly disease. “The surge in pertussis cases is a stark reminder of how critical vaccinations are, especially for infants for whom it can be life-threatening,” said Kwan-Gett.
 
Most of Washington’s cases are in children under 18, with 80% of infections reported in this age group. Infections are particularly common among school-age children between five and eight years old, and in those aged one to four. Dr. Kwan-Gett noted that while whooping cough can affect people of all ages, infants are at the greatest risk of severe complications. Among the state’s cases, 124 have involved infants, and 12 of those required hospitalization, though thankfully no deaths have been reported.
 
Severe Coughing, Hospitalizations, and the Impact on Babies
W hooping cough symptoms vary in severity, but they often begin with a runny nose and progress to violent coughing fits, which may end in vomiting. While older children and adults may experience relatively mild symptoms, infants are at high risk for severe illness. In fact, some babies don’t cough at all but instead suffer from dangerous pauses in breathing, making early diagnosis and vaccination even more critical.
 
To protect the youngest and most vulnerable, health officials recommend that everyone stay up-to-date with their pertussis vaccinations. The Department of Health (DOH) states that of the people who fell ill, 28 have been hospitalized. This includes 12 infants under one year old. With about 34% of cases occurring in children under four, whooping cough is proving to be a significant health threat to Washington’s youngest residents.
 
Infection Hotspots and Vaccination Gaps
The highest infection rates have been reported in Chelan, Clark, and Whitman counties, where rates range from 78 to 113 cases per 100,000 people. Clark County alone has seen over 400 cases this year, the highest number in the state. Meanwhile, eight counties have yet to report any cases of whooping cough. King County, Washington’s most populous area, has a lower infection rate of about 6.5 cases per 100,000.
 
One concerning trend fueling the outbreak is vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Helen Chu and Collrane Frivold, infectious disease researchers from the University of Washington, recently highlighted in an op-ed that skepticism surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine has negatively impacted public trust in other vaccines, including those for whooping cough. Due to declining vaccination rates, particularly among school-aged children, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough are expected to continue.
 
In recent years, Washington’s childhood vaccination rates have hovered around 90%, which is lower than pre-pandemic levels. This school year, only about 87% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated, a drop from 91% in the 2020-2021 school year. As schools resume in-person learning, public health experts warn that these lower immunization rates increase the risk of outbreaks for preventable diseases.

Whooping Cough Vaccines: A Shield for the Community
Vaccines remain the most effective protection against whooping cough. In the United States, two vaccines - DTaP for young children and Tdap for older children, teens, and adults - provide immunity against pertussis, as well as tetanus and diphtheria. Though the vaccines are highly effective, immunity wanes over time, necessitating booster shots.
 
The last major whooping cough outbreak in Washington occurred in 2012, with nearly 5,000 cases, giving the state the third-highest infection rate in the country that year. A lack of vaccination, compounded by waning immunity, drove the spike in cases, leading to a federal investigation. Today, health officials continue to encourage booster vaccinations for adults, especially those in close contact with infants, to help prevent another severe outbreak.
 
Conclusion
Washington’s whooping cough outbreak underscores the importance of vaccination, especially for those who are most vulnerable, including infants and young children. With nearly 1,200 cases reported statewide and climbing, it’s evident that the illness can quickly spread, creating significant health risks for communities. Lower vaccination rates, coupled with waning immunity, have contributed to this resurgence of a disease once thought to be largely under control. Public health officials are urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date to help prevent severe outcomes and hospitalizations.
 
As whooping cough continues to affect children, teens, and adults across Washington, communities are reminded of the vital role vaccines play in protecting public health. For those in close contact with babies, staying current with booster shots is crucial in reducing transmission risks. Only by working together to strengthen immunity can Washington hope to curb this concerning outbreak and protect its most vulnerable residents.
 
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