Oregon health officials are encouraging vaccination against pertussis, also known as whooping cough, after an increase in cases across nine Oregon counties. There have been 15 cases in Deschutes County and eight cases in Jefferson County.

Overall, 178 cases have been reported to Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division this year. This is an increase of more than 770% from the 20 cases reported in 2023. However, the 2024 numbers are similar to those seen during pre-pandemic years.

Dr. Rita Bacho, program manager for communicable disease and immunization for Deschutes County Health Services, recommended getting vaccinated, and if exposed to pertussis, receiving post-exposure medication to prevent complications. Last year, there were six pertussis cases in Deschutes County.

A cyclical disease, pertussis peaked every three to five years, prior to the pandemic. Infants are at highest risk for pertussis-related complications and death because they are too young to be fully vaccinated. Between 2003 and 2023, infants accounted for 76% of pertussis hospitalizations.

Lane County leads the list of counties with reported cases at 64 cases so far this year.

It is recommended that pregnant people should receive a Tdap vaccine to protect infants from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis once they are born.

Vaccines are recommended for infants, children, adolescents and adults. To find more information, visit the county’s health services website, www.deschutes.org/health