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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Grant County baby dies from pertussis

A Grant County infant infected with whooping cough has died.

County public health officials are investigating the case, along with a second case of a child with the bacterial infection, also called pertussis. That child is recovering at home. The infant died at Seattle Childrens’ Hospital, according to a news release.

The disease can be prevented with vaccines and booster shots. There are antibiotics to fight infection.

Pertussis has re-emerged as a public health concern. Cases earlier this year in North Idaho sparked worry about low vaccination rates.

About 1 in 20 infants with whooping cough develop pneumonia, health officials say.