Whooping cough outbreak declared in Lane County as Oregon case counts continue to spike

Alan Torres, Eugene Register-Guard
·2 min read

Lane County Public Health has declared a "community-wide outbreak" of pertussis, commonly called whooping cough. On Wednesday, Lane County said there are nearly 40 cases in the county, with more awaiting lab results.

"While some of the cases are linked, there are sporadic cases scattered throughout the area indicating community spread. So far in 2024, there have been 120 cases statewide in Oregon, as compared to 17 at this time last year," Lane County's press release said.

Pertussis/whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory infection that spreads through the air when infected people cough or sneeze. "Pertussis usually starts with mild upper respiratory symptoms that can sometimes mimic seasonal allergies, the common cold, or even influenza," Lane County said. "Symptoms also include prolonged coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive "whoop" sound during inhalation, gagging or vomiting while coughing, and exhaustion."

Pertussis is more severe for infants, pregnant people, young children, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. To prevent spread, Lane County encouraged "getting tested at the earliest onset of symptoms, staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations, and practicing good respiratory hygiene," especially for people who are pregnant or have close contact with young children.

Read more: What is whooping cough? Spike in cases prompts warning from Lane County health experts

If left untreated, especially in infants, pertussis can lead to complications including pneumonia, dehydration, seizures and brain damage. Lane County said to call 9-1-1 immediately if you or your child is struggling to breath or turning blue or purple.

Lane County recommended the following "good hygiene" practices to reduce spread of pertussis and other respiratory diseases:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

  • Throw away used tissues in a waste basket right away.

  • Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow if you don't have a tissue. Never cough into your hands, as pertussis can be spread this way.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

If diagnosed with pertussis, Lane County said it's "crucial" to take prescribed antibiotics and isolate. "Individuals can transmit the bacteria from the onset of symptoms for up to three weeks after coughing fits begin," Lane County said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine recommends children take six doses of the vaccine at the following ages:

  • 2 months

  • 4 months

  • 6 months

  • 15 to 18 months

  • 4 to 6 years

  • 11 to 12 years

The CDC also recommends a dose of the vaccine while pregnant, preferably between weeks 27 and 36, for both themselves and the infant. Lane County also said "adults should also receive at least 1 dose of Tdap vaccine, and can receive one every 10 years."

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com or on X @alanfryetorres.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Whooping cough outbreak declared in Lane County as Oregon cases spike