Whooping cough is making a major comeback in Washington state. At this time last year, there were 54 cases of pertussis. Right now, the statewide case count is more than 1,300. The bacterial disease is most dangerous to babies, and many who get it require hospitalization. We talk with UW Medicine's Dr. Helen Chu about why whooping cough is surging in Washington.

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Whooping cough is making a major comeback in Washington state. At this time last year, there were 54 cases of pertussis. Right now, the statewide <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/whooping-cough">case count</a> is more than 1,300. The bacterial disease is most dangerous to babies, and many who get it require hospitalization. We talk with UW Medicine's <a href="https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/helen-chu">Dr. Helen Chu</a> about why whooping cough is surging in Washington.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">making a gift</a> to KUOW.
We want to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram at SeattleNowPod, or <a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">leave us feedback</a>.

A smart, daily podcast for a curious city. Seattle Now brings you quick, informal, and hyper-local news updates every weekday.

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