Pertussis Cases Continue To Climb

The number of people in Kootenai County with whooping cough climbed to 39, the Panhandle Health District said Sunday.

There were 16 new cases in Kootenai County. There were also three new cases in Bonner County and one new case in Shoshone County. The new victims ranged in age from 7 weeks to 55 years old.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, killed a 2-month-old Post Falls boy three weeks ago.

Health officials urged parents and children to:

Immunize children under age 7.

Stay away from others if suffering from a respiratory illness.

See a doctor if they’ve been in contact with someone known to have pertussis, regardless of age.

Avoid sharing anything that someone else has had in his or her mouth, like cigarettes or utensils.

Pertussis tests will be conducted today from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the health district office, 2195 Ironwood, Coeur d’Alene.

, DataTimes