Officials Confirm One Local Case of Whooping Cough

DAYTON – Cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, have been on the rise in Walla Walla County all year; this month Columbia County Public Health has confirmed a case of pertussis in a Dayton Elementary School student.

It is the only case of whooping cough reported in Columbia County this year, but the disease is contagious and potentially life-threatening in infants and very young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And even people who have been previously immunized can contract the illness.

“People may have coughs for a number of reasons, but it is important to be...