The surge in whooping cough cases in the U.S. highlights growing public health concerns.
Whooping Cough Cases in the US Are the Highest They’ve Been in a Decade
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is seeing a significant resurgence in the United States, with 2024 marking a concerning rise in cases. According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 32,000 cases have been reported so far this year. This marks a six-fold increase over the same time last year and the highest number of cases since 2014. The rise in whooping cough cases has health officials concerned, especially as the nation braces for the winter season, a time traditionally associated with a surge in respiratory illnesses.
Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It often begins with mild symptoms that resemble the common cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a slight cough. However, as the disease progresses, it can lead to severe coughing fits that may cause vomiting, rib fractures, and a characteristic “whooping” sound as the patient struggles to catch their breath. These coughing episodes can last for weeks or even months, leaving individuals exhausted and vulnerable to complications.
Rising Cases of Whooping Cough
The recent uptick in whooping cough cases in the U.S. is alarming. Data collected by the CDC through mid-December shows that the number of reported cases is approximately six times higher than at the same point in 2023. This sharp increase has brought the total number of whooping cough cases to levels not seen since 2014. There have been more than 32,000 confirmed cases of the illness, with significant surges in several regions, particularly the Midwest, including states like Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The resurgence of whooping cough can be attributed to a variety of factors, including decreased vaccination rates and the end of many pandemic-era public health measures. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of respiratory diseases like whooping cough slowed significantly due to mask mandates, social distancing, and other precautionary measures. With the easing of these restrictions and the return to pre-pandemic behaviors, whooping cough is now making a strong comeback.
Impact of Whooping Cough on Public Health
While anyone can contract whooping cough, it is especially dangerous for infants and young children. Infants younger than one year old are particularly vulnerable to the infection, as their immune systems are still developing. For these children, whooping cough can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death. In fact, the CDC reports that the highest incidence of pertussis-related hospitalizations and fatalities occur in children under the age of one.
The CDC recommends that children receive the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine, which is given in a series of shots beginning at two months of age. Adolescents and adults should receive the TDaP booster shot to help protect themselves and others, particularly those in close contact with infants. However, vaccination rates have dropped in recent years, which has contributed to the rise in pertussis cases. For the 2023-2024 school year, only about 92% of kindergartners had received the recommended DTaP vaccine, which is below the federal target of 95%. This gap in vaccination coverage leaves thousands of children susceptible to whooping cough.
Why Vaccination is Crucial
Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing whooping cough. The DTaP and TDaP vaccines offer strong protection against the disease, but this immunity can fade over time, which is why booster shots are necessary. Unfortunately, some adults and older children may not be aware that their protection has waned, and they may unknowingly spread the bacteria to vulnerable populations, such as infants and pregnant women.
In addition to vaccination, the CDC recommends other preventive measures, such as good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with individuals who are sick. For pregnant women, vaccination during pregnancy can help protect newborns from the disease, as antibodies are passed on to the baby in utero. This strategy is particularly important, as infants too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk of severe complications from whooping cough.
The Strain on Healthcare Resources
The increase in whooping cough cases is straining healthcare resources, particularly in states with higher case numbers. Hospitals and healthcare providers are seeing an uptick in patients with respiratory illnesses, as cases of flu and COVID-19 are also on the rise. According to CDC data, cases of whooping cough more than doubled between mid-September and mid-December 2024, adding further pressure on medical facilities already dealing with seasonal illnesses.
As we move further into winter, there is concern that the ongoing surge in whooping cough cases could overlap with the seasonal peak of flu and COVID-19 cases. This combined burden could lead to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and greater strain on the public health system.
What You Need to Know About Whooping Cough Symptoms
The symptoms of whooping cough typically appear in three stages:
- Catarrhal Stage (1-2 weeks): During this stage, individuals experience mild symptoms similar to the common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild cough. Because the symptoms are so mild, many people do not realize they have whooping cough and may unknowingly spread it to others.
- Paroxysmal Stage (1-6 weeks): This is the most severe stage, marked by intense coughing fits that can last for several minutes. The coughing is often followed by a “whooping” sound as the person struggles to breathe. Vomiting and rib fractures may occur due to the forceful coughing.
- Convalescent Stage (2-3 weeks): The coughing gradually decreases, but individuals may continue to experience bouts of coughing for several weeks or even months.
Treatment and Management
There is no specific cure for whooping cough once the coughing fits begin. Antibiotics can be effective in treating the infection if administered in the early stages, before the paroxysmal coughing begins. If the infection is diagnosed late, antibiotics may help reduce the severity of symptoms but will not reverse the damage already done by the infection.
For those with mild symptoms, comfort care is the primary form of treatment. This includes plenty of rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate coughing and discomfort. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, particularly for young children, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
Moving Forward: Addressing the Surge in Cases
As the U.S. grapples with the rising number of whooping cough cases, public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination, early detection, and improved public awareness. Ensuring that children, adolescents, and adults stay up to date on their vaccinations is crucial to controlling the spread of pertussis and protecting vulnerable populations.
Health experts also encourage the public to stay vigilant about hygiene practices, especially during the winter months when respiratory illnesses are more common. Regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick are simple but effective measures to reduce the transmission of whooping cough and other respiratory diseases.
As the situation evolves, healthcare providers will continue to monitor the spread of whooping cough and other respiratory illnesses, adjusting recommendations and interventions as necessary to protect public health.