Washington state is gearing up for one of the worst epidemics of pertussis in nearly seven decades. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes a a nasty and often severe cough. It is particularly dangerous for young infants.
Public health officials have confirmed more than 1,100 cases of whooping cough so far this year in Washington state. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported from this year's outbreak but 20 infants have been hospitalized already with the illness.
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