Washington is seeing a massive spike in whooping cough cases, especially in the Puget Sound.
The Washington State Health Department is warning people about pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough.
As of November 2nd, 1,193 cases have been reported statewide, a sharp increase from the 51 cases reported at the same time last year, according to the state’s data.
More than 30 counties across Washington are impacted by this, including western Washington.
Pierce County saw 82 cases, while 151 cases were reported in King County.
Snohomish County experienced 60 cases, while Thurston County is dealing with 14.
More than 80% of statewide cases involved children.
So far, 28 people have been sent to the hospital because of whooping cough, including 12 infants.
“It is very concerning because this is a resurgence of pertussis after the pandemic,” said Dr. James Lewis, a health officer with the Snohomish County Health Department. “I think we’re already in an epidemic.
Whooping cough is a potentially serious illness caused by bacterial infection. The illness is highly contagious and can be deadly for younger children, especially for infants who cannot receive their full vaccinations yet.