Whooping cough outbreak continues in county

EPHRATA - The pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak continues across the state of Washington and Grant County.

The Grant County Health District is reporting that there have been 2,092 cases statewide so far this year, compared to 64 for the same time frame last year.

Grant County has had 13 cases. That compares with 2-4 cases for the same period in the years before 2010. This year's cases have been reported in Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy and Mattawa.

"Public Health Nurses at the Grant County Health  District (GCHD) continue to investigate cases," Public Information Officer Theresa Fuller said.     

To help control the spread of disease, the Grant County Health District  and several clinics are offering free Tdap vaccine for uninsured Grant County adults (or adults whose health insurance does not cover the cost  of the vaccine) and have close contact with infants and young children.

"If you think you qualify for this program, first contact your healthcare  provider," said Carol Schimke, Immunization Coordinator and Public  Health Nurse. "If you do not have a healthcare provider or your provider does not have the free Tdap vaccine, please contact us at the Moses Lake Office at 509-766-7960."     

The Grant County Health District reminds residents:   

• If you or a family member have been exposed to pertussis, take your entire prescription of  antibiotics. The last bacteria that causes pertussis in your body is often the hardest to kill and  requires your entire prescription to kill the bacteria.   
• If you are not vaccinated against pertussis, get vaccinated as soon as possible.   
• If you are coughing ask, your healthcare provider about being tested for pertussis.  
• It is possible to get sick with pertussis more than once. Get vaccinated.  
• If you have an infant or young child, ask every person who cares for your child if they are up to date on their Tdap vaccination.   

- Staff report