Twin Harbors avoiding the whooping cough epidemic
More than 2,000 new cases of whooping cough have been reported since the secretary of health declared an epidemic April 3. The epidemic is up to 2,883 reported cases and state health officials urge vaccination and other disease prevention measures.
As of July 7, Grays Harbor has seen only 10 reported cases of whooping cough, while Pacific County has yet to have any cases.
The Department of Health ordered 14,000 more doses of whooping cough vaccine for uninsured adults to go with 27,000 doses already sent to local health and tribal partners.
Protection provided by the childhood whooping cough vaccine series wears off over time, so teens and adults need a booster. People whose vaccine protection wears off may get whooping cough, yet usually have less severe symptoms, shorter illnesses, and are less likely to spread the disease to others
For more information visit the Department of Health’s whooping cough epidemic website.
