Public Health warns about whooping cough outbreak in South King County

King County has reported a significant increase in whooping cough cases – especially in South King County – with 108 confirmed cases as of July 16, 2024, surpassing the total number of cases over the past three years combined.

According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, in 2023 the county saw 31 cases of whooping cough, 15 cases in 2022, and just 6 in 2021. This year, 61% of the cases are concentrated in South King County, and among those under 18 years old, 70% are from this region.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through airborne droplets. Initial symptoms resemble a common cold, but can progress to severe coughing fits, which may cause vomiting, breathing difficulties, and extreme fatigue. The condition is particularly dangerous for infants, with three out of the five hospitalizations in King County involving babies.

Libby Page, the Immunizations Program Manager at Public Health – Seattle & King County, attributes the rise in cases to the cyclical nature of whooping cough outbreaks and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immunity levels and vaccination rates. Only 72% of children aged 4 to 6 in King County are up to date on their whooping cough vaccinations.

Vaccination remains the most effective method of prevention. The DTaP vaccine is recommended for young children, while adolescents, pregnant women, and adults are advised to receive the Tdap vaccine. Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect their newborns.

Individuals who suspect they have whooping cough should seek medical treatment promptly, as antibiotics are most effective during the early stages of the illness. People are also encouraged to isolate, wear masks, and maintain good hand hygiene.

Here’s more info from Public Health:

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is caused by a type of bacteria that spreads from person to person in the air. It is very contagious. If a person has whooping cough, approximately 8 out of 10 household members who are not immune will also catch it.

Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and a dry cough. After a week or two, people start to have sudden coughing attacks that are hard to stop. These coughing attacks can lead to vomiting, problems breathing, and feeling very tired. These symptoms can last up to 12 weeks.

Whooping cough can be serious for anyone, but it is most dangerous for babies. Some babies may not make the typical “whoop” noise but may instead struggle to breathe. In the five hospitalizations that have happened in King County, three have been infants.

Why are cases increasing?

According to Libby Page, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Immunizations Program Manager, there are a few main reasons as to why whooping cough rates are increasing.

“Whooping cough has a pattern of epidemic waves every three to five years. In King County, the last notable surge was in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, many of us were taking protective measures like masking and isolating that helped to prevent the spread of whooping cough and other respiratory diseases. Now, many people have missed out on boosting their immunity to whooping cough because they were not exposed to it during the pandemic, or they aren’t caught up on whooping cough vaccinations. In fact, only 72% of four to six-year-olds in King County are up to date on whooping cough vaccinations.”

What can people do to protect themselves from whooping cough?

People can get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. There are two different vaccines—DTaP, and Tdap. Below is a breakdown of the vaccines for different groups of people:

• Young children need 5 doses of DTaP, with the first dose at age 2 months and the last dose before kindergarten.
• Adolescents need one dose of Tdap at age 11 or 12. Teens who didn’t get Tdap as a preteen should get one shot the next time they visit their healthcare provider.
• Pregnant people need one dose of Tdap with every pregnancy. The best time to get a Tdap vaccine is between the 27th and 36th week, preferably earlier in that window of time. Tdap can be safely given earlier in pregnancy if needed. When a pregnant person gets vaccinated, they pass along antibodies that protect the baby during the first few months of life, before the baby is old enough to be vaccinated.
• Adults ages 19 or older who never received a dose of Tdap should get one. After the first dose, adults should get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years, either Tdap or Td. Adults who plan to have close contact with a young infant should also consider getting a Tdap booster.

It is especially import for pregnant people to get vaccinated for eachpregnancy. According to Debra Berliner, Public Health’s Immunizations Special Projects and Communications Lead:

“Getting a Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy is the single most important action an expecting parent can take to protect their newborn from whooping cough. Pregnancy and parenting are full of difficult choices, and it can be tough to know what advice to take. But parents can sit back and take comfort in knowing that prenatal Tdap vaccination is safe, effective, and gives their baby the best chance at a healthy start.”

Protection from vaccines can fade over time, which is why it is important to be up-to-date. The vaccines for whooping cough don’t prevent all infections, but those who are vaccinated typically experience milder infections, and are less likely to become seriously ill.

What should people do if they suspect they have whooping cough?

People should seek treatment early and contact their healthcare provider. Unlike COVID, RSV, and other viral respiratory illnesses, whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria, so it can be treated with antibiotics. Getting treatment during the first 1-2 weeks of illness is very important, as it is not as effective during the later stages of whooping cough. Even people who are fully vaccinated should get checked if they have any of the symptoms. People should also isolate, mask, and practice good hand hygiene.

Where can people get vaccinated?

For vaccination locations, visit kingcounty.gov/findaclinic. More information can be found on the Public Health – Seattle & King County, DOH, and CDC websites linked below.

If you need a doctor, contact the Community Health Access Program (CHAP) by calling 1-800-756-5437 or emailing CHAP@kingcounty.gov.

Where can I find out more information?

• Visit bit.ly/kcpertussis to learn more about whooping cough.
• DOH: doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/notifiable-conditions/pertussis
• CDC: cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html