BEND, OR -- Pertussis cases are on the rise in Deschutes County. In the past two weeks, County Public Health has identified seven cases of Pertussis, also called Whooping Cough. In all of 2023, just six cases were reported.

The highly contagious respiratory disease is transmitted through droplets from a cough or sneeze. Newborns, who are too young to be vaccinated, are at highest risk for severe illness. Complications can be life-threatening for infants under six months old. 

Pertussis vaccines - the DTaP and TDaP - are available at local healthcare providers and most pharmacies. “Getting vaccinated does not only protect you, it also protects your loved ones and close contacts, some of whom are more susceptible to complications from pertussis,” Dr. Rita Bacho, Deschutes County Program Manager for Communicable Disease Prevention and Management, said in a statement.  

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