Whooping Cough: An Unseen Epidemic

Whooping cough, formally known as pertussis, is making a startling comeback in the United States, with cases surging back to pre-pandemic levels—and then some. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a staggering 8,845 cases of pertussis so far this year, and this number continues to grow.

Historic Levels Ahead?

A recent study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) forecasted that by the end of 2025, case numbers could surpass the 74,715 recorded in 1948, the year the pertussis vaccine was introduced. Alarmingly, this year's figures have already eclipsed any totals seen between 1968 and 2001.

The Dangers of Whooping Cough

Caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, this respiratory illness triggers intense coughing fits that can leave sufferers gasping for air, producing the characteristic 'whooping' sound—from which its popular name derives. The severity of these coughing bouts can even lead to rib fractures and potentially life-threatening lung punctures, known as pneumothorax.

Infants Are the Most Vulnerable

Tragically, the mortality rate for infants under one year is approximately 2%, accounting for 96% of all pertussis-related deaths. Alarmingly, one-third of infants who contract the disease end up hospitalized. Antibiotics don't cure the infection but are used to reduce its spread.

An Alarming Rise in Cases

Last year saw 35,435 cases, the highest since 2012, with a significant number affecting young children. Disturbingly, 74.1% of cases in children aged 6 months to 6 years were in those who were unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.

State-Specific Surges

This year's surge is primarily hitting Pacific, Mountain, and Midwestern states, with Washington state leading at 917 cases, followed by Oregon and Michigan. In stark contrast, Texas, currently grappling with a measles outbreak, has reported a surprising 11 pertussis cases.

Vaccination Rates in Decline

The dramatic rise in pertussis cases can be traced back to the anti-vaccination movement, which has placed significant strain on vaccination rates. The CDC recommends a target vaccination rate of 95% to prevent outbreaks, but coverage for pertussis among children has lingered around 80% from 2010 to 2019.

The Erosion of Public Health

The pandemic has ushered in a wave of anti-vaccine messaging, worsening public trust in vaccinations. Notably, figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine advocate, were appointed to significant health roles, signaling a troubling trend in public health policy.

Misinformation's Perilous Impact

A recent KFF tracking poll revealed that 63% of adults believe in the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Moreover, the belief that the measles vaccine carries greater risks than the disease it prevents has risen from 18% to 33% in just one year.

A Call for Change

With the sustained attack against vaccines, the intersection of profit-driven motives and public health becomes alarmingly clear. The need for a shift towards socialized medicine is more urgent than ever in the fight against preventable diseases like whooping cough.