Pertussis cases in the Flathead winding down

Flathead County pertussis cases reached 59 last week, and two schools were added to the list of those with students sick with the disease. Health officials, however, say the outbreak of whooping cough or the 100-day cough may be ending.

According to, Jody White, director of Community Health Services at the Flathead City-County Health Department, the most recent cases were at two elementary schools in Kalispell but had no known connection to other cases in the county.

The bacteria-based infection begins like a common cold but develops into a violent cough after 10 to 12 days. People with a cough lasting longer than one week have been advised to call their medical care provider. Anyone diagnosed with pertussis should not go to work, day care or public gatherings for five days after starting antibiotics.

The health department offers immunizations for $15 for underinsured or uninsured people 19 or older who are going to be in contact with babies under the age of one year.

For more information, call 751-8110.