The outbreak of whooping cough on Whidbey Island continues.

Island County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roger Case reported late Tuesday there are 42 confirmed, five probable, and 17 suspect cases of pertussis for a total of 65.

"A few more are expected to be confirmed over the next several days," Case said.

All but seven have been from South Whidbey and the Coupeville area.

The county normally reports five to eight cases per year.

Apart from four adults, all of the cases have been children since the first reports started on May 19.

Case added that county health personnel continue to locate contacts and advise people on appropriate treatment and preventive measures in an effort to contain the spread of the very contagious disease.

Pertussis is largely preventable by timely administration of the age-appropriate vaccine, and this especially includes adults.

All cases of pertussis should be reported to the Island County Health Department immediately at 360-679-7350.

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