Whooping cough outbreak closes Washington YMCA camp
Aug 3, 2016, 2:48 PM
The Pierce County Health Department suggests that children be vaccinated for whooping cough if they have not received that protection while in the womb. (AP)
(AP)
An early end to a summer tradition for about 200 kids at the YMCA’s Camp Coleman due to a whooping cough outbreak.
Kitsap County reported highest number of pertussis cases last year
Two people at the camp have come down with pertussis, also known as “whooping cough.” It is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause a severe cough and breathing issues. So, all of the campers are going home.
Edie Jeffers with the Pierce County Health Department says this is a good reminder to get immunized for whooping cough — especially for pregnant women.
“Infants cannot receive the pertussis vaccine until they are a certain age,” Jeffers said. “The way they can get that protection is through the mother while they are still in the womb.”
Camp Coleman is expected to reopen next week.
