Clallam County has escaped the whooping cough epidemic reported in Washington state so far, while cases in Jefferson County had climbed to 20 last week from the 17 reported April 16, health authorities in each county said.
Jefferson’s figure exceeds the 13 cases reported by the state Department of Health because they may have been diagnosed early before a full two weeks of coughing, according to Denis Langlois, Jefferson Public Health spokesman.
Kitsap County topped the state count of cases with 85 as of last week.
That number of cases equaled the entire state’s total for 2014, according to The Associated Press.
This year, whooping cough is at epidemic proportions statewide.
Statewide cases of pertussis — better known as whooping cough for its trademark severe symptom — totaled 387 as of Tuesday, the latest date reported.
Health officials said babies too young for vaccination and teens with waning protection were particularly at risk.
Pertussis rates range widely among counties, with Walla Walla, Jefferson and Kitsap counties reporting at least 34 per 100,000 people and King County reporting only 2.7 cases per 100,000 people. Fifteen counties have seen no cases of pertussis.
None in Clallam
An outbreak in 2012 ended with almost 5,000 reported cases and one death.
So far, it has not been seen in Clallam County.
Although Clallam has had no cases of whooping cough so far, Dr. Jeanette Stehr-Green, Clallam County public health officer, warned that it could spread from neighboring Jefferson.
“This could be the next issue on the horizon,” she said recently.
Public health officials have suggestions for taking measures against whooping cough:
■ Get vaccinated, especially if you are pregnant or have a baby or young child in your home, or if you care for an infant.
The vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, the state Department of Health says.
■ Vaccinate your children. Children should start a series of five vaccinations starting at 6 weeks of age.
In Jefferson County, immunizations are available at Jefferson Public Health from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 615 Sheridan St., Port Townsend. Phone 360-385-9400.
In Clallam County, they are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at the Health and Human Services clinic, 111 E. Third St., Port Angeles. Phone 360-417-2274.
■ If you get sick, see your health care provider, then stay at home.
Whooping cough’s period of contagion can last 21 days. That period is cut to five days for those who follow a prescribed regimen of antibiotics.
Children should be kept home from school or day care until they’ve received antibiotic medications for five days or until 21 days have passed after coughing started.
■ Practice “respiratory etiquette”: Cover your cough and wash your hands or use an alcohol gel frequently.
Sneezes and coughs can spread pertussis bacteria 3 feet away, and germs can linger on environmental surfaces.
To learn more about the disease, visit http://tinyurl.com/PDN-DOHwhoopingcough.
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Reporter James Casey can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jcasey@peninsuladailynews.com.
