The Pacific Northwest, specifically Alberta, British Columbia and Washington, are experiencing a significantly larger than normal number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious illness caused by bacteria. It mainly affects the respiratory system (the organs that help you breathe). Whooping cough spreads easily by coughing and sneezing. It is a very serious illness for babies and children. Vaccination is the best protection against whooping cough.

People at greatest risk from whooping cough include:

 

• Infants under one year old.

• Pregnant women (especially in their third trimester).

• Anyone who may expose infants under one year old or pregnant women to whooping cough (for example: members of a household with infants or pregnant women, child care workers who take care of infants under one year old, childbirth educators, and health care workers who have face-to-face contact with infants under one year old or pregnant women).

The following references are available on-line:

Pertussis Epidemic 2012 Washington State Department of Health