No New Cases Of Whooping Cough Reported

No new cases of whooping cough were reported Tuesday to the Spokane Regional Health District. That means Spokane County still has just 71 confirmed cases of pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, since the outbreak started April 17.

“Today, it’s just more of a cleanup activity,” said Dr. Paul Stepak, epidemiologist for the health district. “It’s just awaiting the next onslaught. We just have to be vigilant and ready to jump again.”

The disease can incubate from 6 to 20 days before showing up.

Most of the reported cases have been in school-aged children, most of whom have been vaccinated and haven’t become seriously ill.

In Kootenai County, the epicenter of the outbreak, there have been 156 cases. The Panhandle has had 185 cases.

The disease can cause death in extreme cases. Anyone with a cough, fever or other symptoms of respiratory illness can call the health district in Spokane at 324-1451.

, DataTimes