Whooping cough outbreak strikes Kootenai County

The Panhandle Health District is warning that 15 cases of pertussis – also known as whooping cough – have been confirmed since mid-December in Kootenai County.

Last year, only six cases of pertussis were reported in the five northern counties. Pertussis is among the diseases childhood vaccinations help prevent, a health district news release said.

Pertussis is recognizable by severe coughing spells that can cause vomiting and lack of breath. If not treated, it can lead to pneumonia, seizures, encephalitis, and in babies less than 1 year old, death, the release said.

“If the cough is getting worse and lasting longer than two weeks, they should contact a doctor,” said the district’s Randi Lustig.

Pertussis usually starts with a runny nose, with a cough quickly taking over. People are contagious for up to three weeks. Doctor-prescribed antibiotics can kill the infection. Children diagnosed with the disease need to stay home until they have completed five days of antibiotics.

The health district offers a pertussis booster vaccination for anyone 11 or older. It helps prevent serious symptoms but doesn’t guarantee total protection.

For more information, visit www.phd1.idaho.gov.