Whooping Cough on the Rise Again

Get ready for a challenging year as whooping cough cases, also known as pertussis, are surging across the United States. So far in 2025, a striking 8,485 cases have been reported—double the number from last year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Pandemic's Unexpected Consequences

After a significant decline in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, attributed to strict health measures like masking and social distancing, whooping cough rates are now peaking again. Experts note that pertussis typically cycles every two to five years, making this resurgence somewhat predictable.

Vaccine Hesitance: A Growing Concern

However, this spike in vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and whooping cough, raises alarming questions about public attitudes toward vaccination. Last year, vaccination rates for kindergartners fell, and the number of vaccine exemptions reached an all-time high.

"There’s unfortunately been increasing anti-vaccine sentiment in the United States," stated Dr. Ericka Hayes from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. "Our recovery is not nearly as quick as we expected it to be, and when vaccination rates dip below 95%, we lose herd immunity."

Understanding Whooping Cough

Typically peaking during this season and again in the fall, whooping cough spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Initial symptoms resemble a common cold, but the cough escalates to a distinctive 'whoop' as sufferers struggle for breath. Treatment is available through antibiotics.

Tragic Consequences for Infants

Recent months have seen tragic outcomes, including the deaths of two infants in Louisiana and a 5-year-old in Washington state due to whooping cough. Infants, particularly before receiving their first vaccinations, are at the highest risk, underscoring the need for expecting mothers to get vaccinated. Unfortunately, uptake among pregnant women remains insufficient.

State-by-State Snapshot

States like Pennsylvania are feeling the impact, with 207 reported cases in 2025, primarily affecting dense urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, in Michigan, cases have reached 516, mainly among children aged 5 to 17, mirroring last year's troubling trends.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, noted that vaccination rates differ widely among counties, with some schools reporting coverage as low as 30%. These disparities create vulnerable pockets susceptible to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

A Call to Action

Public health officials express concerns about the dwindling resources available to manage these outbreaks effectively. As they monitor whooping cough numbers, much effort is funneled into tracing measles cases. In a time of increased health threats, awareness and community action on vaccination are critical.