Whooping Cough Cases Popping Up

That coughing you hear may be a mild case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, said Dr. Paul Stepak of the Spokane County Health District.

In the past two weeks, 27 cases of pertussis have been confirmed in the county. Most of the patients are older children and teenagers who had been vaccinated against the illness.

All children who develop a cough, fever or other signs of respiratory illness should see a doctor for evaluation, the health district advised Monday. Antibiotics can prevent further spread of the disease.

Immunity from shots wanes over the years, leaving older children vulnerable. The disease can be fatal for young children and infants.