Eleven cases of Whooping Cough reported here, most in high school.

The number of pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases in Ada and Elmore counties has now climbed to 18, according to disease investigators at the Central District Health Department (CDHD).

There are now seven pertussis cases in Ada County, with six of them associated with Eagle High School, and 11 cases in Elmore County, most of them associated with Mountain Home High School.

"The current trend with this disease seems to be its spread in high school populations," said Nikki Sakata, program manager for communicable disease control at CDHD.

"All persons 11 through 18 years of age should have a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccination. Those who have not had that booster should get it."

The ten-year average of pertussis cases in the four counties of the Central District Health Department is about 30 cases per year.

Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that lasts for many weeks and is most dangerous to newborns and infants.

* Pertussis starts with cold-like symptoms; sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough.

* Within two weeks, a severe cough can develop with violent coughing spells.

* A coughing person with pertussis may have a hard time catching his or her breath during a coughing spell and make a high-pitched "whooping" sound.

How can pertussis be prevented?

* If you've had an undiagnosed cough for two or more weeks call your doctor.

* If you've been exposed to a case of pertussis call your doctor.

* Make sure that everyone in your family or household has received all of their recommended pertussis immunizations.

* When you cough or sneeze, do it into your sleeve at the bend of your arm.

* Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

For more information on immunizations for pertussis contact your medical provider or call the CDHD Immunization Nurse line at 327-8615.

Information is also available on the CDHD website www.cdhd.idaho.gov.