Spokane County child first confirmed whooping cough death in the state since 2011

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — The first whooping cough death in Washington since 2011 has been confirmed in Spokane County last week.

According to Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), a child under the age of 5 died in November of 2024. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed the death was caused by whooping cough last week.

SRHD said while the cause of death was whooping cough, there were other health factors as well. The child had received some doses of the DTaP vaccine but had not completed the series.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our condolences to the family,” said Dr. Francisco Velazquez, health officer for Spokane County. “This death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination, especially for those who are most vulnerable, including infants and young children. We encourage all community members to make sure their vaccinations are up to date, as the best way to protect yourself and others from pertussis is through immunization.”

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing sound often followed by a distinctive “whooping” sound when the person breathes in. It can have serious complications like pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death. SRHD said it is especially dangerous for infants, young children and anyone with a compromised immune system.

SRHD said it is working closely with healthcare providers to do more testing on people who have the signs and symptoms of whooping cough. It is also working to provide more information and vaccine resources to the community.

SRHD encourages everyone to get vaccinated for whooping cough, especially those who are pregnant or have young children.