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January 8, 2025 | Health
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is making a major resurgence across the United States, with alarming rates of infection that have already surpassed 32,000 cases by mid-December. This marks a six-fold increase in reported cases compared to the same period last year, and it’s the highest number of cases seen since 2014, according to data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The surge has been particularly pronounced in certain regions. The Midwest, including states like Illinois and Indiana, has accounted for approximately a quarter of the cases. Pennsylvania is also seeing higher-than-average reports, adding to the concern. In Oregon, the situation is even more dire, as the state has recently reported the highest number of pertussis cases since 1950, making 2024 a record-breaking year for the state.
While the pandemic initially led to a drop in pertussis cases, the CDC warns that the recent surge may indicate a return to pre-pandemic levels. The trend is worrying public health experts, who note that fewer vaccinations among children may be a contributing factor.
Vaccination remains the most effective method for preventing pertussis. The CDC strongly recommends that children receive the DTaP vaccine, while adolescents and adults should get the Tdap vaccine. However, vaccination rates among children have dropped in recent years. Data from the 2023–2024 school year shows that only 92% of kindergartners received the DTaP vaccine, falling short of the CDC’s 95% target.
Health officials stress that low vaccination rates could lead to even more outbreaks and increased public health risks. The CDC continues to urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and to promote awareness about the importance of immunization in preventing the spread of whooping cough.
As the situation unfolds, communities and public health agencies will need to work together to stem the tide of this concerning rise in pertussis cases and encourage timely vaccination to safeguard public health.
For more information on pertussis and vaccination recommendations, visit the CDC website.
