Lane County Public Health declares community-wide outbreak of whooping cough

EUGENE, Ore. – Lane County Public Health officials declared on Wednesday a community-wide outbreak of pertussis, an illness that’s more commonly known as ‘whooping cough,’ following a surge in cases within the last week, according to county officials.

Public health officials said on May 15 that, in the last seven days, the number of presumptive and confirmed cases have doubled, with the total number of cases at 40 and more still awaiting lab results. Some cases are linked, but sporadic cases scattered throughout the community suggest the illness has seen community spread, public health officials said. The county also said that, statewide, cases have sharply increased in 2024 with a total of 120 cases reported so far compared to 17 cases at the same time in 2023.

“We are seeing a number of cases in very young children and at-risk populations,” said LCPH Deputy Health Officer, Dr. Lisandra Guzman. “Their health depends on our actions, so now is the time to do everything we can to protect them.”

Dr. Patrick Luedtke is the Senior Public Health Officer, Luedtke said what makes whooping cough so deadly for young children is the toxins that make the throat flare up as a defense mechanism.

“The toxin makes them cough, the infection itself makes inflammation so what your body does with inflammation is it sends mucus and swelling there,” Luedtke said. “Because the airways are so small, the airways end up closing.”

County public health officials recommend individuals get tested for pertussis at the earliest onset of symptoms, stay up to date on vaccinations, and practice good respiratory hygiene. These recommendations are especially important for those who are pregnant and those who are in close contact with young children, county officials said. Health officials said that the illness is highly contagious and can be spread through the air when people cough or sneeze, usually starting with mild upper respiratory symptoms that can sometimes mimic seasonal allergies, the common cold, or the flu. Along with prolonged coughing fits, a characteristic ‘whoop’ sound is often heard during inhalation with potential complications, when left untreated, ranging in severity from pneumonia and dehydration to seizures and brain damage, county health officials said. Lane County Public Health officials recommend that parents call 911 if they or their child are struggling to breathe or turn blue or purple.

Preventative hygienic measures include covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and staying home if sick, the county said. Public health officials said those who are diagnosed should adhere to prescribed antibiotics and practice self-isolation until no longer infectious.

While those who have not yet contracted whooping cough should receive booster shots to prevent further spread. Luedtke said whooping cough needs repeated immunizations in a person’s lifetime compared to other diseases.

“Immunity decays over time so this is what happens because this is a tough bacterium and with the decay of immunity that’s an ongoing challenge,” Luedtke said.

More information can be found on the county’s website.