Kitsap County reported 61 new whooping cough cases between the start of the new year and May 8, despite COVID-19 and flu cases trending downwards towards baseline levels.

Whooping cough can cause a lingering illness with a severe cough that lasts for several weeks and people with whooping cough are contagious for at least two weeks after their coughing starts, Lynn Pittsinger, Kitsap Public Health District community health division director, said.

“The disease spreads easily through the air from person to person, putting many people in the community at risk. When whooping cough is circulating locally, we are especially concerned about infants because they can develop life-threatening breathing problems and frequently need to be hospitalized for treatment,” she said.

KPHD documents found that the last major outbreak of whooping cough countywide was a total of 122 cases reported during the 2014-2015 school year. KPHD held vaccine clinics on April 28 and 29, and served seven patients and administered 18 vaccines, Pittsinger said.

“Everyone can help prevent whooping cough by staying up to date on immunizations and taking everyday steps to prevent getting and spreading respiratory illnesses, including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask in crowded places,” Pittsinger said.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health found an increase in patients reaching out about whooping cough regarding the risk of infection or concern about a suspected possible infection, Matt Kuffel said, RN operations manager at Bainbridge Island’s VMFH clinic.

“Our standard first step when someone suspects they have whooping cough is to ensure they are seen by one of our providers in-person or through a virtual appointment so we may recommend a treatment plan,” he wrote.

For vaccine information, call Kitsap Public Health District at 360-728-2007 or kitsappublichealth.org/clinic.