Wyoming whooping cough reports sharp increase

With a sharp rise in recent whopping cough cases reported to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH), Wyoming’s state health officer is encouraging awareness and vaccination to help protect vulnerable residents from the disease.

A total of 63 cases of pertussis, also known as whopping cough, have been reported to WDH so far this year. This is compared to a total of 58 in 2012, but only 13 in 2011 and 14 in 2010.

“Wyoming’s level of pertussis activity right now is certainly a cause for concern,” said Dr. Wendy Braund, State Health Office and Public Health Division senior administrator with WDH....