More Pertussis Cases Reported

Three new cases of pertussis were reported in Kootenai County on Tuesday, but no more were found in Spokane County.

The epidemic of whooping cough in North Idaho is about a month old. The total number of cases there has reached 185, 156 of those in Kootenai County, said Marie Rau of the Panhandle Health District.

The Spokane County Health District has reported 71 cases since April 17. Most of the cases have been among school-aged children, and most of them have not required hospitalization, reported epidemiologist Dr. Paul Stepak.

The illness can cause death in extreme cases, and young children are especially vulnerable. Anyone with a cough, fever or other symptoms of respiratory illness can call either health district for information about possible exposure to pertussis.

In Coeur d’Alene, the number to call is 667-3481. In Spokane, it is 324-1451.

, DataTimes