Whooping Cough Cases Spike to Near Decade High: What You Need to Know

As kids head back to school and daycare and temperatures begin to drop, whooping cough season is upon us again. Unlike the past few years, cases have surged significantly over the past few weeks, with five times as many reported this year compared to last year. While the causes of this surge are multifaceted, there are clear steps you and your family can take to prevent whooping cough. Read on to learn more.

Why Are Cases Rising?

On September 20, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Surveillance and Trends report on pertussis, also known as whooping cough. This year’s data shows not only a return to pre-pandemic levels of whooping cough—where cases can exceed 10,000 annually—but also a significant spike in the past few weeks.

According to the CDC, more than five times as many cases have been reported this year compared to the same time in 2023. The number of reported cases is higher than at the same time in 2019, prior to the pandemic. A total of 291 cases were reported for the week ending on September 14, the highest weekly count since 2015.

The CDC attributes this increase to a combination of factors, including the rollback of COVID-19 mitigation measures like masking, social distancing, and increased handwashing, as well as a delay in vaccinations during the pandemic that saw many children and babies skip or defer their DTaP vaccinations. As cases spread more quickly through larger unvaccinated populations, vaccinated children with waning immunity are also at risk of contracting the virus.

What Does Whooping Cough Look Like?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It spreads easily through coughing or sneezing in close contact with others who then inhale the bacteria. The disease gets its name from the “whoop” sound made when gasping for air after a coughing fit. However, only about a third of those infected make this sound, so it’s essential to watch for other symptoms like cold-like signs, a persistent cough, and difficulty breathing in young children.

Babies under one year old are at the greatest risk for severe complications. According to the CDC, about one-third of babies younger than 12 months old who get whooping cough require hospitalization. Sixty-six percent experience life-threatening pauses in breathing, and 22 percent develop pneumonia.

What Should I Do to Protect My Family?

The best way to protect your child from whooping cough is to keep them up to date with vaccinations. The CDC recommends the whooping cough vaccine for all babies, children, preteens, adults and pregnant women. Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine in the early part of the third trimester to provide the best protection to newborns. Kids should receive a series of five DTaP vaccinations between 2-18 months and one again between 4 and 6 years old. The DTap vaccine has been shown to protect 9 out of 10 babies from being hospitalized due to whooping cough.

In addition to vaccination, parents should maintain good hygiene habits like regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes and teach their children to do the same. If your child seems unusually tired or has persistent symptoms that go beyond a typical cold, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician. Many medical offices offer nurse lines where you can discuss symptoms and decide if an in-person visit is necessary.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.