Risks of Whooping Cough in Infants Highlight Importance of Vaccination

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is experiencing a rise in cases, surpassing the levels observed before the COVID-19 pandemic. While older children and adults may experience a persistent cough that lasts for months, the infection can be far more dangerous for infants, especially those under 2 months of age. In the United States, the majority of pertussis cases in this age group result in hospitalization due to the severity of symptoms.

A recent article published in the journal Pediatrics emphasizes the critical need for vaccination, particularly among pregnant women, to protect newborns from this potentially fatal disease. Dr. Caitlin Li, an infectious diseases specialist and lead author, explains that infants may not show the classic symptoms of whooping cough. Instead, they often experience apnea—episodes of breathing interruption—which can be life-threatening. Additionally, infants infected with pertussis often display very high white blood cell counts, known as leukocytosis. This clinical sign can sometimes be mistaken for cancer or other noninfectious conditions, underscoring the importance of considering pertussis in the differential diagnosis.

To prevent these severe outcomes, health authorities recommend maternal vaccination during pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. This approach provides passive immunity to newborns, significantly reducing their risk of developing pertussis. The CDC also advocates for vaccination schedules that include doses at 2, 4, 6, and 15–18 months, with booster doses at 4–6 years and during adolescence at 11–12 years, as well as catch-up shots for older individuals.

Early treatment with antibiotics is essential once pertussis is suspected or confirmed. If administered promptly, antibiotics can diminish symptom severity and decrease transmission rates, ultimately helping to contain outbreaks. Public health efforts to promote vaccination and prompt treatment remain vital in safeguarding infants from this dangerous disease.