Whooping Cough Returns To N. Idaho Six Recent Cases Of Pertussis Diagnosed In Kootenai County

Exactly one year after North Idaho’s last outbreak of whooping cough, health officials have received reports of six recent cases of the disease.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria that infect peoples’ mouths, noses and throats.

Panhandle Health District officials said people who had contact with the victims have been notified.

The six, all in Kootenai County, are on antibiotics. Some of the cases appear to be independent of each other, with no apparent contact between the victims, said nurse Marie Rau.

The illness causes severe coughing, which can interfere with eating, drinking or breathing. Coughs are often followed by vomiting and a whooping sound as the person gasps for air. Coughing is usually worst at night.

The six new cases are unusual, in that they all involve adults. Whooping cough is most often found in children under age five. It is most serious in infants less than a year old. It can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, swelling of the brain, and death.

More than 100 people in North Idaho and 16 people in Spokane contracted the illness last year. Several were hospitalized. People with a cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose or exposure to someone with pertussis should see a doctor.

The most effective way to prevent spread of the illness is to be sure children are immunized. They can be immunized through age seven. Health officials recommend the shots at two months, four months, six months, a booster at 1 year old and another booster between ages four and six.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Immunize If children are not up to date on immunizations, parents should contact their doctors or Panhandle Health District at 667-3481.