Whooping Cough Still On The Increase

Thu., March 28, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

The number of whooping cough cases in Bonner County continues to climb, with 27 cases of the respiratory disease confirmed this week.

“I think we are starting to get a handle on this latest outbreak, but we’ll have more of an idea by Friday,” said Mary Fielder, a Panhandle Health District nurse.

Health officials are awaiting results from 100 people tested for whooping cough, also known as pertussis.

Kootenai County has handled six cases of the disease, but it also expects that number to rise once test results are complete.

“People seem to be noticing the symptoms earlier and are getting treatment before they start infecting other people. That’s helped,” Fielder said.

Most of Bonner County’s cases were linked to Sagle Elementary School. A child there contracted the illness and spread it to classmates and a teacher’s aide.

Pertussis is highly contagious and has run rampant here for several years because of low immunization rates, health officials said. In 1994, Bonner County had about 160 cases of whooping cough.

Symptoms of pertussis include a runny nose, watery eyes and an irritating cough. The cough often worsens, prompting gagging and vomiting. Those who suspect they have whooping cough are advised to see their doctor and be tested.

The health district also urged parents to have children 6 years old and under vaccinated against the disease. An immunization clinic will be held today from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint health district office.

, DataTimes

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Whooping Cough Still On The Increase

Jesse Tinsley

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