BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Health confirms more than triple the amount of whooping cough cases so far this year compared to 2023.
The state has issued a health advisory on pertussis to health care providers.
Seventy-three cases have been reported across 11 counties. Four infants have been hospitalized. Cass County Public Health says 50 cases have been confirmed in the county. Sixteen were confirmed in 2023.
Whooping cough symptoms can last up to two weeks and include a runny or stuffy nose, a fever up to one hundred degrees and problems breathing. Before getting the disease, people can get coughing fits that cause a high pitched whoop sound.
“Pertussis is a major threat to our community,” North Dakota HHS Immunization Surveillance Coordinator Danni Pinnick said. “Vaccination, especially for pregnant individuals, is the best way to prevent severe illness.”
