Childcare employee in Whitman County diagnosed with whooping cough

PULLMAN, Wash. — A childcare employee is one of eight new cases of whooping cough identified in Whitman County since Nov. 15.

Whitman County Public Health said additional employees at the daycare center also showing symptoms that align with whooping cough. Families with children at the center have been notified about possible exposure.

According to public health, there have been 71 whooping cough cases confirmed in the county as of Wednesday.

Officials said they are also investigating several potential cases among school-aged children in the community. All children so far have tested negative, but public health has offered to organize on-site vaccination clinics for students who are not up-to-date on their vaccines.

Whooping cough can start with cold-like symptoms and develop into a bad cough. Babies and people with pre-existing health conditions are at a higher risk for complications from the illness.

If you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough, contact your healthcare provider.