Influenza, pertussis cases surging in Kootenai County

COEUR d’ALENE — The respiratory viral season is in full swing as the community struggles with rising influenza and pertussis cases.

Through November, there were 315 cases of pertussis in the five northern counties. In comparison, there were only five cases in 2023.

Statewide, there were more than 700 cases of the disease, commonly referred to as whooping cough, in 2024.

“It’s the highest number of pertussis cases since 1997,” said Dr. Anthony Rehil-Crest, chief clinical officer for Heritage Health. “We don’t know why, but the cases are skyrocketing. Part of it could be that the respiratory disease is extremely contagious and easily transmitted. Being in the same room with an infected person is enough to get it.”

Pertussis is particularly dangerous for infants, young children and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically begin with mild cold-like signs, such as a runny nose, mild cough and low fever, and can progress to severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a "whooping" sound.

The flu is also problematic. On average, an individual with Influenza will infect two others with the virus. By comparison, the average person with pertussis will infect five to six people.

“Influenza, pertussis, RSV and COVID-19 can put a tremendous strain on our local health care system,” Rehil-Crest said. “When rates of these infections increase simultaneously, they can use a lot of our health care resources, like hospital beds. This means other critical procedures may not be completed because the doctors and nurses are so busy with the flu and pertussis patients.”

The Panhandle Health District said through November there were 1,442 influenza cases.

People who are at high risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Testing for rapid influenza and pertussis is available at Heritage Health medical clinics.

“Getting tested is essential because there are treatments available for high-risk patients, and treatment can decrease the time you are sick and make you less likely to spread the illness,” Rehil-Crest said. 

He said it’s important to get tested for pertussis if exposed because of its long incubation period. Once exposed, symptoms may not appear for 21 days.

“Even though the respiratory virus season has started, it is not too late to get vaccinated,” Rehil-Crest said. “Adults should stay current on their seasonal flu and Tdap vaccines."