Washington state is experiencing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, making 2023 potentially the worst year for the illness in over a decade. By early November, the state had recorded 1,193 cases across 31 counties, a stark increase from just 51 cases at this time last year. This trend reflects a broader rise in whooping cough across the U.S., with over 20,000 cases reported nationwide and seven states, including Washington, surpassing 1,000 cases each. The state’s Department of Health (DOH) emphasizes the importance of vaccinations to protect vulnerable populations, particularly infants who are at the highest risk for severe complications.
The majority of Washington’s whooping cough cases are concentrated in Whitman, Clark, and Chelan counties, with Clark County leading the state in total cases. Statewide, over 80% of the cases have been among individuals under 18, and 34% involve children under 4 years old. While some counties, such as King County, report relatively low infection rates, other areas have been severely affected. Among those infected, 28 people have been hospitalized, including 12 infants under one year old, underscoring the potential for severe outcomes in young children.
Whooping cough initially presents with mild symptoms similar to a common cold but can develop into intense, long-lasting coughing fits. Infants, who are most at risk, may experience “dangerous pauses” in breathing rather than coughing fits, making early diagnosis critical. Health experts recommend that people of all ages stay up-to-date with the pertussis vaccine and seek medical advice if they show symptoms. The DOH has highlighted that vaccination is the most effective measure to reduce the spread and severity of the illness.
A decline in routine vaccination rates has been observed in Washington, with the percentage of kindergartners up-to-date on vaccinations dropping from about 91% in 2020-2021 to 87% in the current school year. This decline is partly attributed to vaccine skepticism that developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to reduced confidence in childhood vaccinations. Health experts warn that lower immunization rates could result in outbreaks of other preventable diseases, including measles and whooping cough, especially as children return to in-person learning.
Washington’s past experiences with whooping cough outbreaks, notably in 2012 and 2015, have led to updated vaccination recommendations, including booster doses for adolescents to combat waning immunity. The state health department continues to monitor the current situation closely, supporting local health efforts and encouraging pregnant individuals to receive the Tdap vaccine to protect their newborns. The ongoing outbreak highlights the need for strong vaccination efforts to prevent future resurgences of vaccine-preventable illnesses.
