Pertussis on the rise in King County

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - King County has experienced more than three times the number of pertussis cases this year as compared to last year. Public Health - Seattle & King County officials say this is a normal cycle for pertussis, which typically sees a sharp rise in cases every three-to-five years. In all of 2001, King County had 39 confirmed cases of pertussis, while in 2002 Public Health has documented 122 cases to date, including illnesses in schools, child care centers and hospitals.

Today, Public Health said that a case of pertussis in a health care worker has been confirmed at its Northshore Public Health Center (10808 N.E. 145th Street in Bothell). Public Health is currently investigating the situation, and is contacting all persons who came into contact with the health care worker. In order to limit the spread of the illness, Public Health is treating all staff who may have come in contact with the affected worker. In addition, a physician's advisory will be sent to area physicians.

Early signs and symptoms of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) are similar to a common cold and may include a cough and runny nose. After about a week, severe coughing with gagging or vomiting may occur. If untreated, the cough may in some cases have a telltale "whooping" sound. More information on pertussis signs, symptoms, and risk factors.

Public Health is particularly concerned about people at high risk for complications from pertussis. People at high risk include:

• Children under the age of one year
• Pregnant women expected to deliver within 6 weeks (at risk for transmitting the infection to the newborn)
• Non-immunized children or children who have not had the full series of immunizations
• Immuno-compromised people of any age and persons with severe chronic lung disease may be at increased risk

A health care provider should be consulted for evaluation and possible treatment of children under one year of age who have been exposed to pertussis. Children who have had a complete series of pertussis immunizations are protected from severe complications of pertussis. Older children and adults, even if immunized during childhood, can develop milder cases of pertussis and may be infectious to others. Immunization typically confers immunity for 7-10 years. There is no licensed vaccine for people seven years of age and older. Antibiotic medication can be used to both treat pertussis and prevent the infection in exposed persons.

People who visited the Northshore clinic between October 8th and November 20th are encouraged to contact Public Health for assessment and potential treatment. The number to call is: 206-296-0155.