PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon is expected to surpass its record of 910 pertussis cases by the end of 2024, prompting state health officials to sharpen their warnings Thursday about the disease’s serious risks— especially for young babies — and their emphasis on the importance of vaccination.
As of Wednesday, Oregon has seen a total of 827 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in 23 counties during 2024, according to Oregon Health Authority data. At least one person, an older adult, has died.
In 2012, 910 pertussis cases were reported, the highest annual count since 1953…