Whooping cough (pertussis) cases surged in 2024, showing a sharp rise over last year. By late October, cases were over five times higher than the same period in 2023. Numbers have even surpassed pre-pandemic levels from 2019.
Doctors recommend that infants, children, adolescents, and adults all receive the pertussis vaccine.
What is Whooping Cough, and How is it Transmitted?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is an infection caused by Bordella pertussus bacteria. Symptoms usually emerge five to ten days after exposure. However, they may take up to three weeks to appear.
In the first one to two weeks, symptoms include nasal congestion, low-grade fever, and mild cough. After this period, severe coughing fits, or paroxysms, often begin. These fits can last from one to six weeks, or even up to ten weeks. This duration gives pertussis the nickname “the 100-day cough.”
Pertussis spreads through airborne bacteria or from contaminated surfaces. Infections often occur in schools, childcare centers, and healthcare settings. People with pertussis can remain contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms start. Older siblings, parents, grandparents, and caregivers may unknowingly spread the illness to children.
What Are the Reasons for the Surge in Whooping Cough Cases This Year?
After the COVID-19 pandemic, communities reduced mitigation measures like masking and social distancing. This renewed closeness creates more opportunities for pertussis to spread.
The CDC recommends the DTaP vaccine for infants, requiring six doses over six years. Many parents struggle to keep up with these vaccinations. Additionally, people often aren’t aware that pertussis vaccines lose effectiveness over time.
Improved testing and awareness may contribute to the spike in reported cases. Potential mutations in the bacteria could also make it harder to fight off infection.
Some states face particularly high case numbers. Pennsylvania reported 2,301 cases, New York 1,999, Illinois 1,276, Wisconsin 1,249, and Ohio 944.
Who Should Get Vaccinated for Whooping Cough?
The CDC recommends pertussis vaccinations for all age groups. The DTaP vaccine protects young children. The Tdap vaccine is for preteens, adults, and pregnant women. Since immunity can weaken over time, regular boosters are essential.
Common misconceptions fuel vaccine skepticism, undermining public health efforts. Some incorrectly believe vaccines cause autism or chronic illness. Others mistakenly assume that a previous infection or childhood vaccination offers lifelong protection.
Who is Most at Risk from Whooping Cough Infection?
Infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk. In adults, pertussis can lead to serious respiratory issues, like pneumonia. For babies, it can cause life-threatening pauses in breathing.
Teens and adults may experience intense coughing fits lasting up to 10 weeks. Early detection is crucial to prevent complications.
What Measures Can Prevent the Spread of Whooping Cough?
Cough etiquette and hand hygiene are key to stopping the spread of pertussis. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands often to remove bacteria. Adults, especially grandparents or caregivers around infants, should get a Tdap booster every 10 years.
If you think you have whooping cough, seek medical help. Pertussis symptoms often resemble other respiratory infections, so testing is essential. A PCR test can confirm the infection and guide treatment.
Conclusion
Stay vigilant. Get vaccinated and keep your boosters up-to-date to protect yourself and your community. As cases continue to rise, it’s crucial to curb the spread of whooping cough.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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