Surge of Whooping Cough Cases in Lane County

Posted on 01/20/2016

By Amber Wilmarth

EUGENE, Ore. -- The number of whooping cough cases in Lane County is on the rise. Public health officials are urging people to get vaccinated.

Lane County Public Health says last year, they saw a spike in whooping cough cases. They said during 2015, there were 61 confirmed cases of whooping cough in Lane County, which is a 53% increase over the yearly average.

Jason Davis with Lane County Health and Human Services says whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies. Davis say the number one way to prevent whooping cough, is with the vaccine. The health department says by immunizing yourself, you can protect the entire community.

Symptoms in older children and adults are similar to a cold with a cough that gets worse.

Davis says vaccinations are covered by most insurance plans and are readily available through a number of facilities, including pharmacies.