WARNING: Highly Contagious Bacterial Infection Reported in Cascade County

As a parent who works in broadcasting, I can't tell you how many times I've had to dodge my own children when they cough with their mouth open. My youngest is notorious for coming up close to my face to tell me a "secret" only to let out a huge cough right in my face - it happens.

Dangerous Bacteria Infection Arrives in Cascade County

Unfortunately for parents like me with the little petri dishes we call "children", another contagious threat is on the horizon: pertussis.

According to a press release from the Cascade County Health Department on February 10th, "Cascade County has confirmed its first case of pertussis in 2026. Although only one case has been confirmed, it involved a large number of exposures."

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"There are multiple other suspected pertussis infections that have not been confirmed through laboratory testing."

Officially called "pertussis", many of us have heard it called "whooping cough." Like the name suggests, the infection brings about a series of violent coughs, runny nose, and malaise according to the Cascade County Health Department. The coughs can get so violent, they could actually lead to pneumonia or seizures.

The CCHD says even if you're vaccinated, you can still spread the infection.

How Dangerous is Whooping Cough?

The CCHD says "infants, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised" are at most risk of catching whooping cough and you could start experiencing symptoms 7-10 days after infection.

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The CCDC is encouraging anyone who isn't vaccinated for pertussis to reach out and schedule an appointment to do so at 406-454-6950. If you think you, friends, or family might have whooping cough, you can learn more about what you should do HERE.