KITSAP COUNTY -- Public health officials say there has been a pertussis outbreak in Kitsap County.
Nineteen whooping cough cases have been reported since the beginning of January.
“We are concerned because of the number of cases. The largest danger is to infants, because they are at risk for severe infection, and have not yet been vaccinated for pertussis due to their young age,” said Dr. Susan Turner, Health Officer for Kitsap Public Health District.
There have been 55 cases since June of 2014. On average, Kitsap County has about 14 cases per year.
Officials say those with the greatest risk of getting infected are people with close contact to someone with pertussis. Those who share personal items, like towels or eating utensils, are also at risk of infection.
Here is more information from the Kitsap Public Health District: