Video: Whooping cough outbreak on Whidbey Island

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WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. – More than 20 cases of whooping cough have been confirmed on Whidbey Island.

Doctors say there may be up to 200 milder cases that haven't even been reported.

"We have a very widespread epidemic, much more than I've ever seen it," said Doctor Bob Wagner, of South Whidbey Pediatric.

Wagner started seeing a steady stream of young patients come in with cold-like symptoms a few weeks ago. Lab tests showed many of them actually suffered from whooping cough, an infection of the respiratory system caused by a bacterium.

"Unfortunately, whooping coughs start out looking like a cold," Wagner said.

The disease, also known as pertussis, is highly contagious. It can spread from someone sneezing or coughing.

The best prevention is getting the vaccine, but even that is not perfect.

"Three fourths of people will get good immunity, and one fourth of people will lose that immunity over time," Wagner said.

In the meantime, doctors across Whidbey Island are trying to get the word out, especially to parents of young children. While the outbreak may be on Whidbey Island now, ferry traffic could easily help it spread.

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"It's most risky to people that have chronic diseases, to small babies, and to people with lung diseases," Wagner said.

Island resident Tina Furman became concerned last month when her 10-year-old daughter, Rashelle, couldn't shake a persistent cough.

Tests showed she didn't have whooping cough, but the family is still being cautious.

"You just never know," Furman said. "You can go to the grocery store. Or you go to the park to play. Maybe a child has it and they cough in their hand or they put it on the shopping cart or on the playground equipment - it's one of those things you never know."