10 Confirmed Cases Of Whooping Cough In Central WA

Whooping cough continues to be a problem in Eastern and Central Washington. There are now 10 confirmed and 13 probable cases of pertussis this year in Kittitas County. The most recent confirmed case was a student at Cle Elum Roslyn Elementary. Some of the previously probable cases have been confirmed due to clinical diagnoses and links to laboratory-confirmed cases.

As a result, the Kittitas County Health Officer has issued an order to exclude students, staff, volunteers, and visitors at Cle Elum Roslyn Elementary for at least 21 days if they are not up-to-date on their pertussis vaccinations. Kittitas County Public Health Department has initiated an investigation to stop the potential spread of the illness, and is in the process of contacting individuals who may have been in close contact with anyone exposed to pertussis.