Students diagnosed with whooping cough in Cowlitz Co.

KELSO, Wash. – Health officials in Cowlitz County are trying to control an outbreak of whooping cough that is already affecting students at two different schools.

The health department confirmed Tuesday that 2 students in different classrooms at Wallace Elementary School were diagnosed with whooping cough. Another student at Coweeman Middle School was also diagnosed. There are concerns that more students may have been exposed between Jan. 30 and Feb. 3 because whooping cough is transmitted through the air.

“The best prevention is for everybody to get vaccinated,” said Alan Melnick, a public health officer for several counties in Southwest Washington, including Cowlitz County. “The vaccine is available for children as well as adults, so we all need to protect ourselves from pertussis.”

The Kelso School District sent letters home to parents warning them about the outbreak.

Melnick said pregnant women in their third trimester are also at high risk. Anyone fitting that description who may have made contact with any kids at the schools is encouraged to get an antibiotic immediately to prevent their babies from being exposed at birth when they are most vulnerable.

Last year, Cowlitz County had the most cases of whooping cough of any county in Washington with 69.

Health department and Kelso School District recommendations:

•Wallace or Coweeman students who have had a cough for the last two weeks or develop a cold or coughing illness in the next two to three weeks need to see a doctor promptly for a whooping cough evaluation.

•Children and adults who aren't up to date on their pertussis shots need to be immunized promptly.

•Exposed children who received their third pertussis vaccine when they were 6 months old or older should be given a fourth dose.

•Children under age 7 who have had four doses of the pertussis vaccine should receive a booster unless they've had one in the last three years.

•Children over age 11 who have not previously been vaccinated should get their pertussis shots.

•Anyone over age 11 who received a booster shot should get another pertussis vaccination if more than five years have passed since their last one.