WHITMAN COUNTY, Wash. — An outbreak of whooping cough has been confirmed on the Washington State University campus.
Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) is currently investigating a whooping cough outbreak among the WSU student population, with a total of 37 confirmed cases as of October 25, 2024.
Since the last update on October 16, 2024, there have been no new cases reported in the broader community.
Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by the B. pertussis bacteria. It spreads through small droplets of spit when you talk, cough or sneeze.
Symptoms of whooping cough can look like a cold and develop into a bad cough. Coughing spells can be severe, some kids even have a “whoop” after they cough.
Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, passing out, stopping breathing and even death. Public Health said severe complications are more common in babies.
WCPH advises all individuals diagnosed with B. pertussis to isolate until they have completed a 5-day course of antibiotics as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
RELATED: Know how to protect yourself and family against whooping cough
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