So far this year, Panhandle Health District is reporting 150 cases of pertussis in the five northern counties.
That compares to the nine reported over the past three years combined — five in 2023, three in 2022 and one in 2021 — a roughly 1567% increase.
"Everyone should be concerned about this outbreak," said Olivia Luther, director of marketing and community relations at Kaniksu Community Health. "Anyone not immune to pertussis, either by immunization or prior illness, is more susceptible to infection and disease complications."
While most of the cases have been reported in Kootenai County, both PHD and Kaniksu Community Health officials said cases have been reported in both Bonner and Boundary counties.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. For many, the disease presents with a hacking cough followed by a "whoop" sound from a rapid intake of breath.
While anyone can get pertussis, it can be particularly threatening to babies and pregnant women, Katherine Hoyer, PHD public information officer, said.
About one in eight infants with pertussis get pneumonia. About one in 100 infected infants will have convulsions and, in rare cases, pertussis can be deadly, especially in infants less than 1 year of age, PHD officials said.
Luther agreed, noting that it can lead to hospitalization or months-long symptoms, especially for infants and adults over 65 years old.
"This disease is called the '100-day cough' for good reason," she added.
