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Public health officials report spike in pertussis cases; urge vaccination and clinician testing
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Summary
Spall County public-health epidemiologist reported 12 local pertussis cases so far in 2025, surpassing all of 2024, and noted a statewide rise. Officials stressed vaccination for pregnant people and household contacts, antibiotic treatment for cases and post-exposure prophylaxis, and limits in free antigen test availability.
Public Health Epidemiologist for Spall County reported at the July 15 Board of Health meeting that the county has recorded 12 pertussis (whooping cough) cases so far in 2025, compared with nine total cases in 2024. The epidemiologist said the state has seen 1,472 total cases in 2025 versus 454 at the same point in 2024.
The spike matters, the epidemiologist said, because infants under 1 year are at highest risk of severe disease and hospitalization. "Infants under 1 year of age are among the most vulnerable to severe disease," the epidemiologist said, adding that many infants who became ill were old enough to have received at least one dose but had not been vaccinated.
Board members were given context for testing, reporting and treatment. The epidemiologist said regular COVID-19 antigen test supplies at public-health offices are now limited because most state funding for free antigen tests has ended. They also explained that pertussis is a notifiable condition in Washington state and that labs and clinicians are required to report positive tests; public-health staff count probable clinical diagnoses when testing is not available.
Officials described clinical steps for prevention and control: vaccination for babies (DTaP series beginning at 2 months), a Tdap booster for adolescents and adults, and Tdap in pregnancy to transfer protection to newborns. The epidemiologist noted antibiotics are available both as treatment and as post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce infectiousness and severe illness. The epidemiologist said clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for pertussis because early symptoms can resemble a mild cold.
The Board discussed access and barriers. The epidemiologist said adult Tdap boosters are generally obtained at pharmacies because adult vaccine supplies at clinics are limited, and that some local programs can help underinsured or uninsured adults but supplies are small. The epidemiologist encouraged family members and caregivers to check Tdap status to protect infants.
Board actions were limited to discussion and information requests; no new local orders or policy changes were adopted at the meeting. The epidemiologist offered to share the weekly Washington State pertussis report with the Board for further review.
