By MARK STROHSCHEIN

Special to the Whidbey News-Times

Despite a reported 27 cases of pertussis in Coupeville and South Whidbey, the business community in Langley is taking a business-as-usual approach to this weekend’s events, highlighted by Choochokam Arts Festival.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is highly contagious within all age groups and is symptomatic for its fits of coughing without fever.

Officials and shop owners in Langley are aware of the pertussis cases, but believe that shutting down large gatherings and social events such as the Choochokam festival is premature. Members of the Langley business community said the outbreak of pertussis has done little to curtail sales or customer traffic.

“We’re concerned about it and we’ll be watchful,” said Langley Mayor Paul Samuelson. Speaking Friday, he had no news to report about local event cancellations or alterations as suggested by the Health Department.

“We want to be cautious about those who are susceptible,” said Samuelson, who is also owner of Paul’s & Company barber shop. There has not been little discussion about the outbreak from his customers.

“We’re saddened and worried, but it certainly hasn’t had an effect on the businesses here,” said Fred Lundahl, president of the Langley Chamber of Commerce and owner of Music for the Eyes carpet and textile shop.

“Folks might have to rethink their philosophy on innoculations, but I’m not a medical person and can’t say for sure,” Lundahl added.

Donna Leahy, owner of Chef’s Pantry, believes the outbreak has been overblown by the media.

“I didn’t know there was awareness before the King 5 story or Wednesday’s story in the South Whidbey Record,” said Leahy. “If it was a huge problem, it would be more widespread. The feeling here is it was isolated to the Little League teams.” Leahy wonders why, if so many commuters travel to and from South Whidbey every day, hasn’t the island experienced more cases to date.

Carol Zahorsky, who does public relations for merchants in Langley, wonders the same thing. Despite the outbreak, Zahorsky, who lives in Tenino near Olympia, still plans on bringing her 11-year-old daughter Natale with her to the Choochokam festival this weekend.