Whooping Cough Cases Spike Across the United States

Cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are spiking across the United States at an unprecedented rate, with cases reported this year significantly outpacing those in 2023.

According to recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 19,662 cases of whooping cough reported as of October 19—over five times the 4,358 cases reported at this time last year.

The spread of pertussis has been widespread, with Pennsylvania seeing the highest number of cases this year at 2,301, followed by New York with 1,999, Illinois with 1,276, Wisconsin with 1,249, and Ohio with 944.

U.S. health officials note that the rise in whooping cough cases is one of the fastest-paced increases seen in recent years, underscoring a renewed need for vigilance and awareness across all age groups.

Dr. Tina Tan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and a pediatric infectious disease expert at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, cautions that pertussis can impact adults as well as children—a fact often misunderstood.

“Adolescents and adults serve as a major source of transmission in the community because many physicians that care for adults continue to believe that pertussis is only a pediatric disease,” Dr. Tan explained.

Tan highlights that misconceptions about lifelong immunity to whooping cough have also contributed to the spread, as many assume that prior vaccination or past infection offers complete and lasting protection.

“That is completely not true,” she noted, emphasizing that immunity can wane over time, leaving individuals susceptible to infection once again.

Diagnosing pertussis quickly is critical, she added, as the infection can be treated with antibiotics, and close contacts of infected individuals can also receive preventive antibiotic treatment.

One of the factors contributing to pertussis’s ease of spread is its highly transmissible nature, which is comparable to that of measles, one of the most contagious diseases.

“Anyone can become infected,” Dr. Tan stated, though babies younger than six months, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of severe complications or death.

Unlike the characteristic “whooping” cough seen in young children, symptoms in teens and adults can be less recognizable, often presenting as a prolonged cough that starts suddenly and can last for an extended period.

During this time, individuals remain contagious, sometimes for up to a month after symptoms begin, making community spread particularly difficult to contain.

Whooping cough outbreaks typically occur every three to five years, but Dr. Tan suggests that the pandemic may have disrupted this cycle.

During the pandemic, social isolation and mask-wearing reduced transmission, but the return to normal activities and the relaxation of these precautions may be fueling the current surge.

Another factor exacerbating the situation could be a decrease in vaccination rates. Data indicates that routine vaccinations across all age groups have declined, which Dr. Tan describes as a contributing element to the rise in cases.

With a larger portion of the population now susceptible to infection, the virus has found more opportunities to spread.

The CDC and health experts are urging individuals to check their vaccination status and consult healthcare providers about potential booster shots, especially for those who live or work closely with high-risk populations.

Vaccines, including the pertussis booster, can help curb the spread and protect those most vulnerable, particularly infants who are too young to receive the full course of pertussis vaccines.

As the country grapples with this surge, public health officials are emphasizing preventive measures, prompt diagnosis, and treatment to prevent further escalation.

Health departments across the nation are likely to increase efforts to raise awareness, encouraging those eligible for vaccination to get up-to-date and helping those with symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.

The resurgence of whooping cough serves as a reminder that infectious diseases remain an ongoing public health challenge, and vigilance, combined with updated medical practices, is essential to manage and contain outbreaks effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Whooping Cough Resurgence: Whooping cough cases in the U.S. are rising rapidly, with 19,662 cases reported by October 19, a fivefold increase from the same period in 2023.
• Adults as a Key Transmission Source: Misconceptions about pertussis being a pediatric disease contribute to its spread, as adults and adolescents often carry and transmit the infection within communities.
• Waning Immunity Over Time: Immunity to whooping cough from childhood vaccinations or previous infections fades over time, making booster vaccinations essential for ongoing protection.
• Highly Contagious Disease: Pertussis spreads as easily as measles, posing a risk to everyone, particularly infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Prolonged Symptoms in Adults: Symptoms in adults and teens can be prolonged, with a persistent cough that keeps them contagious for up to a month, increasing the risk of community spread.
• Pandemic-Related Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted typical cycles of whooping cough outbreaks, and with relaxed social distancing measures, infections are climbing.
• Decline in Routine Vaccinations: Decreasing vaccination rates across all age groups has left more people vulnerable to pertussis, further accelerating the spread.
• CDC and Health Expert Warnings: Public health officials are urging people to confirm their vaccination status and get booster shots if eligible, especially if they interact closely with high-risk groups.