Whooping cough epidemic; teens, adults need boosters

Washington state Secretary of Health Mary Selecky has announced that cases of whooping cough have reached epidemic levels in much of Washington state. So far in 2012, 640 cases have been reported in 23 counties (as of March 31), compared to only 94 cases during the same time period last year. Washington is on pace to have the highest number of reported cases in decades.

“We’re very concerned about the continued rapid increase in reported cases,” said Selecky. “This disease can be very serious for young babies, who often get whooping cough from adults and other family members. We want all teens...