Public Health Officials Sound the Alarm Over Whooping Cough Surge

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The recent spike in whooping cough cases necessitates urgent action to enhance vaccination campaigns and public health strategies.

Quick Takes

Whooping cough cases have surged, with substantial increases noted in states like Vermont and New Hampshire.
The CDC reports pertussis infections returning to pre-pandemic levels, with over 17,500 cases in 2024.
Vaccine hesitancy post-COVID-19 pandemic is significantly contributing to this resurgence.
Vaccination remains the primary defense against the disease, critical for protecting vulnerable populations.

Whooping Cough Resurgence

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection targeting the respiratory system. It presents a distinctive “whooping” sound after prolonged coughing fits. The United States faces a daunting resurgence of this illness, with Vermont and New Hampshire reporting more cases than last year. Traditionally, the CDC observes over 10,000 annual cases, yet the 2024 reports exceed 17,500, showcasing an alarming increase.

The pandemic years saw a temporary decline in whooping cough cases, attributed to enhanced public health measures like masking and remote learning. However, falling vaccination rates, fueled partly by vaccine hesitancy, are reversing these gains. Health experts, including former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, link the rise to a decrease in vaccination rates since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccine Hesitancy and Impacts

Vaccination continues to be the foremost protection against pertussis. Since the introduction of the pertussis vaccine in the 1940s, case numbers have significantly decreased, demonstrating its efficacy. However, the tides of misinformation and reluctance perpetuated by anti-vaccine movements have hindered vaccination efforts. Children lacking vaccinations and infants whose mothers did not receive the Tdap vaccine face an increased risk of severe health complications.

“My concern is that there is going to be a large outbreak of not just measles, but other vaccine-preventable diseases as well, that’s going to end up causing a lot of harm, and possibly deaths in children and young adults,” warned Dr. Anna Durbin.

Furthermore, the elderly also face an increased vulnerability to serious illness from pertussis. Health guidelines from the CDC stress the importance of DTaP vaccinations for children under seven and Tdap/Td vaccines for older children, adolescents, and adults to curb this trend. For expecting mothers, getting a TDaP booster during each pregnancy is crucial for transferring protective antibodies to the newborns.

Whooping cough cases skyrocket across US as measles concerns surge https://t.co/jcz15P9QOz pic.twitter.com/yRLz5myhgd

— The Independent (@Independent) April 15, 2025

Public Health Frameworks and Strategies

Preventative efforts must include reinforcing vaccination campaigns and addressing misinformation, alongside classical public health strategies, to counter whooping cough effectively. Early pertussis symptoms mimic those of the common cold, developing into severe coughing fits particularly in older children and adults, pouring pressure on health systems.

Ensuring timely vaccination and public education about the disease are integral to tackling this issue. As emphasized by Ericka Hayes, MD, “For newborns specifically, it’s extremely important that pregnant individuals get a whooping cough (TDaP) booster with every pregnancy. This allows their baby to be born with the lifesaving antibodies that protect them from whooping cough immediately.”

Ultimately, ensuring public institutions notify exposures, isolating infected individuals, and embracing measures like mask-wearing can support combating this surge in whooping cough cases, rendering a healthier society.