More than 32,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in 2024, and this is six times higher compared to last year and at the highest since 2014.
Whooping cough is transmitted through the air and produces severe coughing spasms that can last for weeks or even months.
Infants and young children, more so the unvaccinated, are at risk for severe complications.
Key Background:
Pertussis or whooping cough cases have been on the rise all over the United States. Preliminary data, by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported through mid-December shows more than 32,000 cases so far in 2024. This is six times higher than the past year and marks the first time since 2014.
With recent dramatic increase in cases, that growth reverses what was a sharp decline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that saw social distancing and other public health measures minimize spread of respiratory illnesses. According to the CDC, while whooping cough cases typically fluctuate in periodic peaks, current trends indicate a return to transmission levels observed before the pandemic. As of now, cases have more than doubled since mid-September, and the Midwest, which includes Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, has seen a disproportionate amount of the outbreak. Nevertheless, Pennsylvania has reported the highest number of cases of all.
According to CDC, vaccination is the best prevention. The CDC advises DTaP for kids, TDaP for teenagers and adults. However recently, vaccination rates have reduced. For the school year 2023-2024, only 92 percent of kindergartners had taken the DTaP vaccine which has failed the benchmark from federal at 95 percent. While antibiotics can be effective if given early, once the severe coughing begins, treatment is aimed at comfort and symptom management. As the U.S. enters the winter season, the CDC is monitoring broader respiratory illness activity, including rising flu and COVID-19 cases.
