GRANT COUNTY, Wash. — The Grant County Health District (GCHD) says 60 whooping cough cases have been identified this month, leading to one hospitalization.
According to the health district, the last time a person was diagnosed with whooping cough in Grant County before this year was 2019.
Cases have been confirmed in Moses Lake, Soap Lake and Warden in people between the ages of 3 months and 43 years.
GCHD says many of the reported infections happen in people who have not been vaccinated or were not up to date with their vaccines.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is easily spread through coughing or sneezing. It is especially dangerous for babies, pregnant women and people who have chronic respiratory illnesses.
Symptoms can often be mistaken for allergies, asthma or a common cold but can lead to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or months.
Statewide, cases have also been on the rise. The Washington State Department of Health said as of November 2, over 1,100 cases have been reported in the state. In November of last year, only 51 cases had been reported statewide.
Whooping cough has been identified in 31 counties and 28 people have been hospitalized, including 12 babies under one year old.
If you believe you have whooping cough or have been exposed to it, contact your doctor.
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