Public health officials in Washington state have confirmed more than 1,100 cases of whooping cough so far this year in what is on track to become the worst epidemic of the disease to hit the state in seven decades.

Gov. Christine Gregoire made state emergency funds available on Thursday to help increase vaccinations against the disease and announced federal approval to redirect some funds to buy 27,000 more doses of vaccine for uninsured adults.

Learn More about Whooping Cough at following website:

http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/factsheet/pertussis.htm?gclid=CLuOi5bV868CFSo0QgodwGRdUw

In the News:

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/komo/article/Whooping-cough-forces-emergency-closure-of-3543712.php

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/whooping-cough-cases-on-rise-in-the-county-635022/

http://www.examiner.com/article/portland-influenced-by-washington-epidemic