Health officials are reporting a surge in whooping cough cases in the U.S., with more than 420 new cases reported for the week ending on December 21. This brings the total number of cases for the year to over 33,300, marking the highest reported cases since 2012. The rise in cases is concerning, especially for vulnerable populations such as children under 1 year old and adults with weakened immune systems. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the airways that can require urgent medical attention.
Symptoms of whooping cough include a severe, hacking cough followed by a sharp intake of breath that produces a “whoop” noise. Early symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, such as runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, fever, and cough. Severe coughing can lead to complications such as vomiting, extreme fatigue, bruised or cracked ribs, abdominal hernias, and broken blood vessels in the eyes. While anyone can get whooping cough, vaccination is considered the best prevention measure against the infection, even though vaccinated individuals can still contract the illness.
The rise in whooping cough cases is notable compared to the decrease seen in 2020, which officials attributed to preventive measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as wearing masks and remote learning. Reported cases for 2024 are significantly higher than in previous years, with nearly five times more cases reported this year compared to 2023. Health officials anticipate that the number of cases will continue to increase, potentially reaching the more than 10,000 cases typically reported each year before the pandemic. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations are at risk of contracting whooping cough, as protection from vaccination fades over time.
In terms of geographic distribution, New York has reported the highest number of whooping cough cases for 2024, with Ohio reporting the second-highest number of cases. It is important for individuals to be aware of the symptoms of whooping cough and seek medical attention if they suspect they may have contracted the infection. Vaccination against whooping cough is widely available at doctor’s offices or pharmacies, and obtaining the vaccine is crucial in preventing the spread of the illness. As the U.S. returns to pre-pandemic patterns, including the cessation of mitigation measures such as masking and remote learning, health officials expect that whooping cough cases will continue to increase, with many cases potentially going undetected.
