WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- Despite efforts to stop the disease, an epidemic of whooping cough continues around the state, and Whatcom County remains one of the hardest-hit areas.

County health officer Dr. Greg Stern says the number of reported cases locally tripled from March to May, and there’s no sign it’s slowing down.



Stern says officials are especially worried about protecting infants and pregnant mothers, because the illness can be fatal in very young children.

He recommends everyone in Whatcom County get immunized against whooping cough, and he says the county continues to offer free shots for residents who can’t afford them.