Rising Incidence of Whooping Cough in the US Challenges Public Health Efforts

The United States is experiencing a concerning rise in whooping cough cases, prompting healthcare providers and public health officials to prepare for another challenging year. According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been approximately 8,485 reported cases in 2025, which is double the number from the same period last year. This increase follows a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to widespread masking and social distancing measures; however, the resurgence aligns with the cyclical nature of pertussis outbreaks, which tend to occur every two to five years.

Experts point to changing attitudes toward vaccination as a possible factor contributing to the current surge. Last year, U.S. vaccination rates among kindergarten-aged children declined, and the number of children with vaccine exemptions reached record highs, raising concerns about herd immunity. Dr. Ericka Hayes from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia emphasized that anti-vaccine sentiments are disrupting efforts to maintain high immunization coverage, which is crucial for preventing outbreaks.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, predominantly peaks during this time of year and in the fall. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes heavily. Initial symptoms resemble a common cold but progress to severe coughing episodes characterized by a distinctive 'whoop' sound. Antibiotics are effective in treatment, but the disease remains particularly dangerous for infants.

In the past six months alone, there have been tragic fatalities, including two infants in Louisiana and a 5-year-old in Washington state. The CDC recommends the pertussis vaccine for infants, administered at two, four, and six months of age, and advises adults to receive booster doses every ten years. Notably, vaccination during pregnancy is also recommended to protect newborns; however, uptake among pregnant women has been less than optimal.

States like Pennsylvania and Michigan are seeing significant increases in cases. Pennsylvania reported 207 cases in 2025, with the majority in urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where vaccination rates are high but still insufficient to prevent outbreaks. Michigan has recorded 516 cases this year, primarily among children aged 5 to 17, with some counties showing vaccination rates as low as 30%, creating vulnerable pockets within communities.

Public health authorities are intensifying efforts to conduct contact tracing and increase vaccination coverage amid limited resources. Maintaining high immunization rates is essential to controlling pertussis and safeguarding vulnerable populations, especially infants and young children.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-whooping-cases-health-departments.html