Whooping cough at epidemic levels in WA
Apr 3, 2012, 11:37 AM | Updated: 1:52 pm
Washington state's top health official is urging whooping cough vaccines for all children and adults. (AP photo)
(AP photo)
Washington state’s top health official is worried about an
increase in the number of whooping cough cases in our
state.
“We have an epidemic of whooping cough in Washington
state,” said Health Secretary Mary Selecky. “As secretary
of health, I have not used that word very often in the 14
years I’ve been secretary.”
Selecky says the 640 cases reported in 23 counties so far
this year put the state on a pace to have the highest
number in decades.
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.
“To bring the point home, unfortunately, I tell you that
four babies have died from whooping cough in our state in
the last two years, and dozens more have been
hospitalized,” says Selecky.
She urges whooping cough vaccines for all children and
adults.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
