I'm Tracci Dial, and this is NWPB Weekly News Now.

A deadly variant of equine herpes has been found in Washington.

At least two horses have been euthanized, and state agriculture officials are now trying to stop the spread.

The facility associated with those two euthanizations is quarantining and is closed until further notice.

It's in Cheney.

Washington States veterinarian says exposures are possible in Whitman, Lincoln and Spokane counties.

Here's Dr. Amber Itle.

“The best thing we can do, the best way we can be a good neighbor, is to not move our horses and to really monitor them.” Equine herpes virus does not spread to people, she tells us, but people with horses that could have been exposed should quarantine those horses and reach out to a vet if a horse has a temperature of 101.5 or higher.

Pertussis is a real threat to humans, and cases are rising in people all over the northwest.

It's also known as whooping cough.

The Oregon Health Authority has reported hundreds of cases this year, and the agency expects to surpass a 2012 record of over 900 cases.

Pertussis is a very contagious bacterial infection, and it can be deadly for some, especially babies.

Here's Oregon Health Authority's doctor, Paul Cieslak.

“The best tool that we have is to vaccinate mom during pregnancy.

Because mom will make antibodies against pertussis and then push them across the placenta to baby.

” Pertussis usually takes 5 to 10 days for symptoms to show up after exposure.

Unlike adults, infants who get it may not cough much or at all, but they can develop apnea, a life threatening pause in breathing.

How much cases are spreading in Washington, Idaho and Oregon, and those numbers and tips to protect yourself are all found at NWPB.org.

In Idaho, a nonprofit is teaching fourth and fifth graders Nez Perce traditions like canoe carving.

NWPB visited ‘Nimipuu Protecting the Environment on a chilly fall day.

Dave Paul is a volunteer helping teach the craft.

He's also a University of Idaho professor.

“It's a way of artistic expression for a lot of the kids.

It's a thing, a tool that they will actually use.

Hopefully.

And the kids just love it.” Hear from some of the students on our website.

Before we go, NWPB wants to hear from you.

Here is your call-in callout.

Give us a call at (509)800-7319 and share your favorite holiday memories with us.

You might hear your story on the air.

It's a Google voicemail, so give us a call, leave us a message with perhaps a favorite dish or a fun activity to do with friends and family.

Again, that number is (509)800-7319.

We can't wait to hear from you!

More from NWPB can be found on our website and on Instagram, Facebook, and of course, YouTube.

I'm Tracci Dial with your NWPB Weekly News Now.