There have been more cases of whooping cough in Clark County, Washington this year than in the last six years combined, according to health department data.
Why it matters: So far this year, there have been 295 in the county alone — more than any other in the state — and officials worry that number could increase as children are back in school.
The largest portion of cases are among children under the age of 5, per OPB.
Threat level: Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection that starts with symptoms like the common cold, but coughing can last for weeks or months.
It can be especially severe for children and infants, who may develop apnea — "life-threatening pauses in breathing," according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The intrigue: Despite 92% of Clark County K-12th graders having been vaccinated for pertussis last school year, Clark County's public health director Alan Melnick told OPB individuals schools can have vaccination rates as low as 60%, which could be driving infections.
The bottom line: While the number of cases has declined month-over-month, from August to September, but Melnick said it is too soon to know if cases will continue downward.
