MISSOULA – The number of confirmed whooping cough cases rose again on Monday morning.
Local health officials report there are now 125 confirmed pertussis cases in the Missoula area.
Cases are being reported across all ages and due to the duration of the outbreak, it is possible for people who were exposed earlier in the outbreak to be re-exposed.
The Missoula City-County Health Department is continuing to work closely with schools to identify close contacts of confirmed cases.
Confirmed whooping cough cases have been reported in approximately 20 schools — including in the Florence and Frenchtown school districts.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a type of bacteria. It can affect people of all ages but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.
Pertussis symptoms can appear differently and be less severe in vaccinated individuals, but can still be contagious.