Benton County health officials warn of rising pertussis statewide, urge vaccinations and testing

April Holland, a public-health representative for Benton County, briefed the Board of Commissioners on May 21 about pertussis (whooping cough), saying the disease is circulating more widely across Oregon even though Benton County had not yet seen an increase in cases.

"The topic for today's public-health update is pertussis," Holland said, and she described the illness as a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection that poses the greatest risk to babies under 1 year. She told the board that vaccination schedules differ by age (DTaP for young children and Tdap boosters for adolescents and pregnant people) and that a third-trimester Tdap can reduce pertussis cases in young infants. "It's so contagious that in an unvaccinated population, one case can result in up to 16 additional cases," Holland said.

Holland cited a statewide uptick in 2024 — roughly 100 reported cases so far versus 17 at the same point last year — and urged preventive measures: ensure vaccinations are up to date, practice respiratory hygiene, seek testing early for symptoms, and isolate as prescribed. She noted antibiotics are recommended for many pertussis cases and that infected individuals can transmit the bacteria for up to three weeks after coughing begins.

Commissioners asked about seasonality and local risk; Holland said pertussis cycles vary and can be influenced by waning immunity and the timing of booster shots. She recommended that family members, visitors and caregivers of infants receive Tdap to create a “ring of protection.”

The county posted resources and links to local testing and immunization options and encouraged residents to contact their primary-care providers or pharmacies for vaccine availability.

Next steps: county public-health staff will continue surveillance, share updated guidance if local cases rise, and promote the May 25 community event tied to youth mental-health outreach referenced earlier in the meeting.