Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that is currently on the rise in the United States. In 2025 alone, there have been 8,485 reported cases of whooping cough, compared to 4,266 cases during the same period in 2024. This increase in cases is concerning, especially considering the potential dangers of the disease, particularly for babies and young children.
Similar to the spread of measles, whooping cough can be prevented by a safe and effective vaccine. However, with the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment and cuts to immunization services, vaccination rates for whooping cough have declined in children over the past two years. This decline in vaccination rates has contributed to the resurgence of the disease.
Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and can result in severe respiratory illness characterized by severe and spasmodic coughing spells. The classic symptom of pertussis is a “whoop” sound caused by someone trying to breathe during a bad cough. Severe complications of pertussis include slowed or stopped breathing, pneumonia, and seizures, with young babies being the most vulnerable to severe cases and deaths.
The World Health Organization estimates that 24.1 million pertussis cases and 160,700 deaths occur worldwide in children under 5 each year. The disease is highly contagious, with 80% of people who have not been previously exposed to the bacterium or vaccinated against the disease developing an infection upon exposure.
Vaccination is key in preventing pertussis, with the first vaccine being licensed in the U.S. in 1914. During the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022, pertussis cases were lower than usual due to limited social contact measures. However, in the past two years, pertussis cases have surpassed figures from before the pandemic.
The reasons for the rise in pertussis cases include cyclic epidemics that peak every two to five years, changes in vaccine type, and declining vaccination rates. Scientists have noted that the increase in cases may be larger than expected during a usual peak, suggesting other contributing factors.
It is important for families to protect themselves from pertussis by ensuring that vaccination rates are up to date and following public health guidelines. By understanding the risks associated with whooping cough and taking preventative measures, we can work towards reducing the spread of this potentially dangerous disease. The percentage of kindergartners in the United States who are up to date with recommended pertussis vaccines has seen a decline from 95% during the 2019-20 school year to 92% in the 2023-24 school year. Additionally, even fewer adolescents are receiving a booster dose of the vaccine.
To protect themselves and their families, public health experts recommend routine vaccination for children starting in infancy, followed by booster doses in adolescents and adults to help maintain high levels of immunity. Children are advised to receive five doses of the pertussis vaccine, with the first three doses administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, followed by two additional doses at 15 months and 4 years of age to provide protection through early adolescence.
While infants younger than 6 weeks are not old enough to receive the pertussis vaccine, they are at the greatest risk of severe illness from pertussis. Vaccination during pregnancy is recommended to offer protection from birth, as antibodies can pass from the mother to the developing fetus. Many countries, including the U.S., now recommend that women receive one dose of the pertussis vaccine between the 27th and 36th week of every pregnancy to protect their babies.
To maintain protection against pertussis after childhood, a booster dose of the vaccine is recommended for adolescents at 11 to 12 years of age, with the CDC also recommending at least one booster dose for all adults. Additionally, due to waning immunity over time, caregivers, parents, grandparents, and adults 65 years and older may benefit from additional booster doses.
Vaccine safety studies have proven the pertussis vaccine to be safe, with mild reactions such as pain, redness, and swelling at the vaccination site being common. Severe reactions are rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of vaccinated individuals. The vaccine is highly effective, with 98% of children protected from pertussis in the first year after receiving all five doses.
Families are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about the need for a pertussis vaccine for themselves, their children, and other family members. By staying up to date with vaccinations, individuals can help protect themselves and their loved ones from this preventable disease. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made on a daily basis. One of the most exciting new developments in the tech industry is the rise of 5G technology. 5G, which stands for fifth generation, is the next step in the evolution of wireless communication networks, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity compared to its predecessor, 4G.
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