06/18/26 Provider Alert: Regional Increase in Pertussis Cases

There has been a recent increase in pertussis cases throughout the Olympic Region. Local healthcare providers are advised to remain alert for patients with symptoms of pertussis, and provide prompt testing and treatment.

Consider the diagnosis of pertussis in the following situations:

  • A prolonged cough in patients of any age, that is characterized by one or more of the following:
    • Paroxysmal coughing
    • Post-tussive emesis
    • Inspiratory whoop
    • In infants, a respiratory illness associated with poor feeding or apneic episodes
    • Respiratory illness of any duration in patients who have had contact with someone known to have had pertussis (clinical or lab diagnosed)

While immunization reduces the risk of pertussis, the disease can affect anyone regardless of vaccination status. Symptoms are often milder in vaccinated children and adults.

Persons at high risk for pertussis:

  • Infants <1 year old (who are at greatest risk for severe disease and death)
  • Individuals who are immunocompromised, including those with pulmonary disease risk factors, and the elderly
  • Pregnant persons especially in the last trimester
  • Healthcare workers with direct patient contact (who may expose infants, pregnant persons, or others who have contact with infants or pregnant persons)
  • Anyone who may expose infants < 1 year old or pregnant persons (e.g., childbirth educators, childcare workers, members of a household with infants)

Actions Requested

  • Have a high clinical suspicion for pertussis.
  • Test and prophylactically treat all patients with compatible clinical syndromes.
  • Be aware that PCR testing, especially late in infection, can be falsely negative.
  • Encourage and support all patients to stay up to date on DTaP and TDaP vaccinations
  • If strong clinical suspicion or positive test, provide chemoprophylaxis for all close (household) contacts regardless of immunization status. If unable to provide prescriptions directly, encourage household contacts to contact their PCP for a prescription.
  • In the case of contacts that are not household, but have had significant exposure to patient, strongly consider chemoprophylaxis in the case of immunocompromised individuals, infants < 1 year, and pregnant persons.
  • No isolation is required for asymptomatic close contacts.  Symptomatic contacts should isolate until completion of antibiotics or wear a mask if they need to access care or services.
  • Report clinically suspected pertussis cases within 24 hours to Jefferson County Public Health at (360) 385-9400 (select option 3 afterhours). JCPH communicable disease staff can assist you in determining recommendations for testing, prophylaxis and exclusion.

Resources for Providers

To report suspected cases, or for any other questions about pertussis, please contact:

Jefferson County Public Health
(360) 385-9400 (select option 3 afterhours)
Ask to speak to a member of the Communicable Disease team.