Pertussis cases on the rise in region

POST FALLS — Kootenai County continues to be the state’s hotbed for a spike in whooping cough cases this year.

Fifty-one cases, including 49 in Kootenai County and two in Bonner County, have been reported in the five northern counties this year by the Panhandle Health District.

That compares to eight in the region all of last year, seven in 2008, six in 2007 and none in 2006.

“You can see that we’ve had a significant increase this year,” said Cynthia Taggart, PHD spokesperson.

In 48 of the region’s 51 cases this year, the victims were children ages 9 months to 13.

“Of the children, four had not had their pertussis vaccination,” Taggart said.

In the first six months of this year, 77 Idaho cases have been reported to public health officials compared with 45 cases reported during the same timeframe last year.

The local cases have been spread in cities throughout Kootenai County with the most recent case diagnosed on July 4.

“We can’t seem to get past it this year,” Taggart said. “There are a few, then it dies down, then a few more cases pop up a month later. As far as we know, none have required hospitalization. All received treatment from their doctor and recovered.”

Whooping cough, also know as pertussis, remains a concern in Idaho and in states such as California, where an epidemic has caused six infant deaths this year.

“These events have prompted concern with Idaho health officials, causing them to urge people to make sure their families are up to date on vaccinations against this disease,” said Emily Simnitt, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson.

PHD is reminding parents that kids in the 11-12 age group need a Tdap booster shot that includes pertussis vaccine. The pertussis vaccine may not prevent whooping cough, but it will reduce the severity.

Pertussis, recognized by severe coughing spells that can cause vomiting and lack of breath, is contagious and particularly dangerous for children younger than 1. Adults around infants should get a Tdap to prevent spreading pertussis.

“We know that in many cases, it’s the mom, dad, grandparent or sibling that infects the babies that end up getting so sick,” said Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist. “Vaccination of the rest of us remains the best way to protect the most vulnerable persons in our population, who are too young to be fully protected by their immunizations.”

About one in 20 infants with pertussis get pneumonia (lung infection), health officials say. About one in 100 infants will have convulsions. In rare cases, pertussis can be deadly, especially in infants less than 1.

Those who are planning on becoming pregnant or are currently pregnant should talk to their doctor about getting the Tdap vaccine.

For information on pertussis, visit www.phd1.idaho.gov.