Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has been on the rise in the United States, with tens of thousands infected and at least 13 people dead from the bacterial infection in 2025. Although the infection rate is lower than last year, it remains higher than typical prepandemic years, and the number of deaths has increased.
Pertussis is a brutal respiratory infection characterized by a severe, violent cough that can leave individuals, especially infants, struggling to breathe. While rarely fatal, the lingering symptoms have earned it the nickname of the “100-day cough.”
The disease is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which emits toxins into the respiratory tract, emphasizing the importance of early treatment with antibiotics to manage the infection. The bacterium is easily spread between individuals through direct contact and droplets from the mouth or nose.
As of December 20, the U.S. and its territories have reported 27,871 diagnosed cases of whooping cough so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year at the same time, the number was 41,922, marking a significant increase following several years of fewer than 10,000 cases annually during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2003 and 2019, the U.S. typically saw between 10,000 to 20,000 cases annually, with the highest rate in 2012 at 48,277 cases.
At least 13 people have died from pertussis this year, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Provisional CDC data from last year indicated 10 deaths from the infection.
Public health experts are concerned that the sustained high rates of whooping cough this year following last year’s spike may be a result of declining vaccination levels. The DTaP vaccine protects infants and young children from pertussis, while the Tdap vaccination offers protection for older children and adults, along with tetanus and diphtheria. The CDC recommends these vaccinations starting at two months of age, with children receiving four doses in the first two years and a total of six doses before turning 13. However, data show that only 79 percent of children born in 2021 had received four DTaP shots by age two.
Whooping cough poses the greatest risk to infants under a year old, prompting public health experts to recommend that pregnant individuals receive a Tdap vaccine to pass antibodies to newborns. Additionally, all adults are advised to get a Tdap vaccine every 10 years to maintain protection.
In conclusion, the resurgence of whooping cough in the U.S. underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting vulnerable populations. It is crucial for individuals to adhere to recommended vaccination schedules to safeguard public health and reduce the impact of preventable illnesses like pertussis.
