MATTAWA - Grant County Health District (GCHD) staff members are investigating three cases of pertussis (whooping cough) and 210 people that came in contact with it in Mattawa and Quincy.

No one has been hospitalized.

"Because of a large number of exposed and ill individuals in a very well-defined area, we are considering this a local outbreak," Dr. Alexander Brzezny, Grant County health officer, said. "Preventing severe disease and death in infants is our highest priority," he said. "We urge all pregnant women to get vaccinated and urge parents to vaccinate infants and children if they are not up to date."

According to Brzezny, more cases related to this location are likely.

In an effort to control spread of the disease, Brzezny has recommended antibiotics for a defined number of individuals who have come into close contact, been housed with, or transported together with the ill individuals.

Antibiotics are not recommended to the general public. The highest priority is given to those who come in contact with children under 12 months of age, to pregnant women and those with certain lung conditions.

A pertussis (Tdap) shot is recommended for all who are not up to date, especially those who work, live, or have recently visited Mattawa or Quincy.

Between July 3 and July 7, 210 patients received antibiotics. A pertussis (Tdap) shot will be offered to all the workers. The vaccine reduces a chance that a person will become sick with pertussis. Having had pertussis does not prevent one from possibly getting it again.

"The farm where the farm workers are being housed and the Mattawa Community Clinic have been extremely cooperative and responsive," said Jeff Ketchel, GCHD administrator.

GCHD staff are contacting all 210 patients to ask about their health and where they have visited or worked. This information will be shared with neighboring public health agencies and used to decide if there are additional people who should receive antibiotics.

Because of the increasing number of pertussis cases in Mattawa, you are asked to contact your healthcare provider if you are coughing or are concerned that you may have been exposed to pertussis.

A typical case of pertussis starts with a cough and runny nose for one-to-two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes ends with a whooping sound.

Young infants are less likely to have a notable cough. Caregivers and health care providers should consider the possibility of pertussis in infants with coughs or colds to help in prompt diagnosis and treatment.