Local health officials keeping close eye on whooping cough cases | Health

High rates of whooping cough (pertussis) in some Western Washington counties has local health officials on alert as well.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department spokesperson Bridget Vandeventer says its too soon to confirm the number of cases locally for January, but that Pierce County has seen "significant activity."

To the north, Snohomish County has seen more than 40 cases of whooping cough since Jan. 1 - enough to prompt health officials to set up two Tdap vaccination clinics this weekend.

Whooping cough rates in Pierce and other counties have been on the rise. Health officials documented 132 confirmed cases in Pierce County in 2011, up from 87 in 2010.

Vandeventer said the high rate of whooping cough in Snohomish County this month has the TPCHD keeping a close eye on local cases.

"Pertussis is a serious illness, and the high rates from our neighboring counties keeps us on alert here as well," said Vandeventer.

The best prevention for yourself and your community is to get vaccinated, she said.

"Adult vaccinations for pertussis, included in the Tdap vaccine, are recommended especially for adults who have regular contact with the most vulnerable people; children and infants, elderly and pregnant women," says Vandeventer. "In Pierce County, Tdap is free for low-income adult patients through our partnerships with healthcare providers in the county."

A list of locations is available here.