Health chief: Whooping cough epidemic in state

SHORELINE, Wash. — Washington’s top health official says whooping cough disease has reached epidemic levels in the state. Health Secretary Mary Selecky says the 640 cases reported in 23 counties so far this year puts the state on a pace to have the highest number in decades. Most cases are in Western Washington. There are just three reported cases in Spokane County. The hardest hit county was Snohomish, where health officials have reported 168 cases. Selecky on Tuesday urged whooping cough vaccines for all children and adults. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing. The disease — known for coughing fits with a whooping sound — is most dangerous for infants. Four have died in the previous two years in Washington.