Whooping cough cases continue to climb

The Flathead City-County Health Department’s count of confirmed cases of pertussis in Flathead County climbed to 47 by Monday, May 22, while the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reported more than 200 confirmed cases statewide.

That is the highest number in the state since 2005, when an outbreak of whooping cough reached nearly 600 confirmed cases. DPHHS reported that since January this year, 18 of the state’s counties and tribal health jurisdictions have reported pertussis cases.

Here in the Flathead, pertussis cases have been reported in 14 schools since May 7 when it was reported in Ruder Elementary School, in Columbia Falls. Cases have been reported in grades 1 through 12, along with several adult cases. Cases have been reported in Glacier Gateway Elementary School and recently at Columbia Falls Junior High School.

“Timely investigation and education of exposed individuals is imperative in controlling the spread of disease,” Flathead County health officer Joe Russell said.

According to DPHHS officials, pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread by coughing or sneezing. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, pertussis can turn more serious, particularly for infants. More than half of infants diagnosed with pertussis require hospitalization, DPHHS officials say.

Pertussis vaccination begins at age two months, but the young infants are not adequately protected until they have received a series of vaccinations, DPHHS says. And because protections from vaccination can fade away over time, a booster is recommended for pre-kindergarten age, pre-teens, teens and adults. A newer form of the vaccine is available and is recommended for teens and adults, DPHHS says.

Jody White, director of community health services at the Flathead City-County Health Department, said they typically see 20 to 25 people a day in the spring for immunizations. That number now averages 60 because of the increased demand for the combination tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) now available for teens and adults.

Health officials stress that undiagnosed adults represent the most common source of pertussis transmission. People need a Tdap booster every 10 years. New fathers and others near infants need the vaccine to protect infants who can’t start the pertussis series until age two months.

The county health department offers immunizations on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit online at www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/immunization/pertussis.shtml or www.flatheadhealth.org.