BOISE, Idaho — According to Central District Health and Southwest District Health, there have been 171 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, across Southwest Idaho.
In 2023, there were 10 reported cases.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a disease known for the high-pitched "whoop" sound made after a person inhales at the end of a coughing fit, CDH said. Other symptoms include a runny nose, congestion or fever, but the cough is the most well-known symptom.
This "sharp increase" is broken into counties, with Ada County reported 117 cases, one each in Elmore and Valley Counties, Canyon County reported 49, and three in Payette County, said Central District Health (CDH).
Of the 171 cases reported, CDH reports that 67% of these cases are among children under 19-years-old.
“We are deeply concerned by the significant increase in pertussis cases across Southwest Idaho this year,” said Lekshmi Venugopal, Southwest District Health staff epidemiologist. “The resurgence of cases following the reopening of schools underscores the need for continued vigilance. Whooping cough, though it may start like a common cold, can lead to prolonged illness and severe complications, particularly in infants and those with existing health conditions.”
Pertussis is caused by a bacterium, which is spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. If not treated by antibiotics, an individual can spread the disease at least two weeks after their cough starts, CDH reminds.
The diseases is both preventable and treatable. Immunizations are available and may protect an individual from becoming ill or severely ill, CDH said. The two types of immunizations are recommended by the Center of Disease Control (CDC): DTap and Tdap.
Southwest District Health offers Tdap and pediatric DTap immunizations at their Caldwell office, with information found here.
Central District Health offers the Tdap and pediatric DTap immunization at their Boise office, with information found here.
