New whooping cough cases reported

GRANT COUNTY, WA- Public Health Nurses at the Grant County Health District (GCHD) were investigating new cases of Whooping Cough (pertussis) as of Sept. 12.

The largest cluster of cases has occurred in Warden, and there are also new cases in Moses Lake and Royal City, the GCHD 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 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," said Carol Schimke, Immunization Coordinator and Public Health Nurse.

"If you are coughing or are concerned that you may have been exposed to whooping cough, it is important that you contact your doctor and stay home and away from other people while waiting for test results and for five days while you are taking medication, if you have whooping cough," said Community Public Health Manager Shawta Sackett.

- Staff report