Whooping cough cases are on the rise in Oregon and Washington

Rates of whooping cough (pertussis) are dramatically rising in the Pacific Northwest, according to state public health offices.

Officials in Oregon report 827 cases in 23 counties as of early December, including 249 in Lane County. This is up from 32 cases reported statewide during the same timeframe in 2023.

Washington agencies show 1,533 cases so far at this time, including 485 in Clark County. This is up from 61 cases reported statewide during the same timeframe in 2023.

“With the holidays coming up, we’re concerned about these increases,” says Catherine Kroll, system director of infection prevention at PeaceHealth. “Whooping cough can look like a cold in healthy adults, but they can spread it to the most vulnerable.”

As with other kinds of respiratory conditions, whooping cough can be especially dangerous for babies and older adults. “It’s not something to take lightly,” she says.

Here’s what to know and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is whooping cough

Whooping cough causes severe coughing that may last for months. During bursts of violent coughing, you may make a noise that sounds like a "whoop" when you try to take a breath. You can cough so hard that you hurt a rib.

It’s caused by bacteria that infect the top of the throat. The irritation in the throat is what causes the coughing.

How it spreads

Whooping cough spreads easily from one person to another. When someone is sick and coughs, sneezes or laughs, tiny drops of fluid holding the bacteria are put into the air. The bacteria can infect others who breathe in the drops or get them on their hands and touch their mouth or nose. 

After infection starts, symptoms usually appear about 5 to 10 days later. But it can take up to 3 weeks before symptoms appear.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a common cold and can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms may include:

• A runny nose.
• A fever.
• A mild cough.
• Apnea in babies. This is a slight pause in breathing.

Later-stage symptoms happen after 1 or 2 weeks and can last for 10 weeks or more,, which is why some call it the 100-day cough. Symptoms include:

• Spells of coughing that are rapid and are followed by a "whoop" sound.
• Vomiting during or after coughing fits.
• Exhaustion after coughing fits.

Diagnosing and treating whooping cough

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may take a sample of mucus from your nose to have it tested for the bacteria that causes whooping cough. You may also have blood tests. A chest X-ray may be done to check for other health concerns.

This condition is often treated with antibiotics. These medicines make it less likely that you will spread whooping cough. If you start taking antibiotics when you first get it, you may get better sooner. 

With good care, most people recover from pertussis. But recovery can take a long time. The cough becomes milder and happens less often. Coughing fits can still happen with other respiratory infections.

Babies are often treated in the hospital so healthcare providers can keep a close eye on the coughing spells. It also makes it easier for the baby to get help with breathing, feeding and other extra care that might be needed.

Caring at home

If you come down with whooping cough, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Here are a few other tips for getting better at home: 

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Stay away from possible triggers of coughing, such as smoke, dust, sudden noises or lights, and changes in temperature.
• Have frequent, small sips of fluids and nutritious foods.
• Create a calm, quiet, restful place for yourself.
• Lie on your side or stomach instead of your back.

Preventing the infection

Kroll shares a few precautions you can take to lessen your chance of getting whooping cough, such as:

• Wear a mask.
• Stay away from crowds, especially in enclosed spaces.
• Wash your hands (and avoid touching your face).
• Get vaccinated, if you haven’t already been immunized for it.

The pertussis vaccine can help you avoid the disease, make it less severe and prevent you from spreading it to those who are at risk for more serious complications.

Check your medical record to see if you or your family have gotten the shot. Over time, the protection lessens, but boosters aren’t recommended, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Learn more from your local public health agency:

• Oregon Health Authority : Vaccines and Immunization : Vaccines and Immunization : State of Oregon
• Immunization | Washington State Department of Health

And talk with your primary care provider or pediatrician if you have any questions.