Whooping cough immunizations available

Last month, Secretary of Health Mary C. Selecky declared a whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic in Washington and 1,132 cases have been confirmed throughout the state. The epidemic has not yet reached Lincoln County, but surrounding counties have reported a total of 10 confirmed cases. Half of those were reported in Spokane county.

"In my 13 years as secretary this is the first time I've had to use the word 'epidemic' about disease in our state," said Selecky. "Pertussis is very serious, especially for babies. We've got to keep spreading the word to help prevent the spread of illness."

One week...