Health departments in Flathead, Lake, Confederated SalishKootenai Tribe and Missoula counties issued an alert March 8 thatpertusiss, commonly called whooping cough, is continuing to spreadalong the U.S. 93 corridor.

The health departments reported 12 cases in Flathead County, 14 inLake County and four in Missoula County. many cases have been foundin immunized school-aged children.

Although not 100 percent effective, pertussis vaccine remains theprimary means of preventing the illness, according to healthofficials. A highly immunized population increases protection foreach area.

Patients with pertussis should not go to daycare, school, work orpublic gatherings until at least five days after starting aprescribed antibiotic.

To prevent illness, health officials say those in close contactwith someone ill with pertussis should start treatment at the sametime as the ill person. This is particularly important for younginfants and other people at high risk for complications from thedisease.

Health officers urge anyone with a cough lasting more than one weekto consult their health care provider. Symptoms vary greatlydepending on the patient’s age, vaccination status and stage ofpertussis infection.

Anyone with suspicious symptoms is advised to stay home and callhis or her health provider, since early treatment is important.They also urge residents to get vaccinated, especially parents,family members and caregivers of young infants.

For more information, contact the Flathead City-County HealthDepartment at 751-8101.

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