Over 32,000 whooping cough cases occurred in the U.S. this year. This is the highest number recorded in the last decade. Cases are six times higher than those reported in 2023. As of mid-December, the surge has raised concerns nationwide. However, a new survey shows public knowledge remains low.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory system. It spreads seasonally, with cases peaking in fall or winter. Early symptoms resemble a cold, including fever, runny nose, and mild cough. Severe coughing can develop later, often causing difficulty breathing.
Before vaccines, pertussis was a leading cause of childhood deaths in the U.S. In the 1940s, over 200,000 cases were reported each year. The introduction of the DTP vaccine in 1948 reduced cases by over 90%. Cases began increasing in the 1980s, peaking at 48,277 in 2012. Improved diagnostics and surveillance likely contributed to this rise in reported cases.
Whooping cough is a serious and highly contagious disease. It causes severe coughing fits that can make breathing difficult. Infants and babies may not cough but can struggle to breathe.
In early stages, symptoms mimic a common cold with a runny nose and congestion. Fever is usually mild or absent. Severe coughing fits develop later and can last for weeks. These fits may lead to vomiting or fractured ribs.
Doctors diagnose pertussis using a nasal swab test. Early diagnosis allows for isolation, treatment, and reduced disease spread.
What Whooping Cough Trends are Raising Alarms?
Whooping cough cases have risen sharply compared to recent years. In 2023, 5,198 cases were reported by mid-December. By the same time in 2022, only 2,896 cases were recorded. In late September 2024, the U.S. had already reported 15,661 cases. This number more than doubled by mid-December, reaching over 32,000 cases.
The CDC tracks pertussis through a national reporting system. State and local health departments send reports to the system regularly. Additionally, enhanced surveillance occurs in seven states to collect detailed data.
Pertussis cases dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic due to safety measures. Masking and remote learning likely reduced the disease’s spread. However, cases in 2024 returned to pre-pandemic levels.
A November survey by the Yennenberg Public Policy Center studied public awareness about whooping cough. It included 1,771 adults and revealed significant knowledge gaps.
Key findings showed 30% were unaware whooping cough is vaccine-preventable. Only 29% could name all three diseases the Tdap vaccine prevents. Most (83%) recognized coughing fits as a symptom, but awareness was limited for others. Only 44% identified low-grade fever as a symptom, and 33% knew about vomiting.
Who is at the Highest Risk from Whooping Cough?
Infants under one year are at the highest risk of severe illness. Their developing immune systems make them more vulnerable to infections. The CDC reports that infants have the highest rates of whooping cough.
Severe cases in young babies often require hospitalization or mechanical ventilation. Infants under six months can experience breathing pauses, which can be fatal.
Expectant mothers should get vaccinated between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This provides passive immunity to the baby before their first vaccine. Household members and close contacts should also check their vaccine status. This strategy, called “cocooning”, helps protect newborns from infection.
The CDC warns that whooping cough cases may rise in all populations. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups are likely to see more cases.
What is the Best Way to Prevent Whooping Cough?
Vaccination is the best defense against whooping cough, experts say. However, protection fades over time, increasing the risk of infection. Lower vaccination rates among children have caused more outbreaks recently. Vaccine hesitancy, including religious exemptions, has contributed to this trend.
Infants receive their first DTaP doses at two, four, and six months. Boosters are given at 12 to 15 months and again at four to six years. Preteens and adults need a Tdap booster every 10 years.
Despite high vaccination rates, coverage has declined slightly in recent years. Only 92.5% of children born in 2020-2021 received three DTaP doses. Among hospitalized infants last year, just 29% were fully vaccinated.
The DTaP and Tdap vaccines protect against whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria. To reach herd immunity, 92-94% of the population must be vaccinated.
Whooping cough spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Healthcare workers are required to report cases to the CDC to monitor outbreaks.
Clear messaging about the importance of vaccines is essential to reverse the trend of rising whooping cough cases. Public health officials should focus on promoting the whooping cough vaccine. Avoiding technical terms like DTaP or Tdap can make messaging clearer. Better communication could raise awareness and encourage more people to vaccinate.
Conclusion
Whooping cough is a serious and preventable disease, yet cases continue to rise. Vaccination remains the best defense, protecting individuals and communities alike. Public awareness campaigns and improved communication can help reverse this trend. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, severe outcomes can be minimized.
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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.
