More than 420 new cases of whooping cough were reported in the U.S. in the past week, pushing the year-to-date total beyond 33,300. Health officials are urging the public to stay vigilant and get vaccinated as the infection makes a troubling comeback.
A Growing Concern: Yearly Cases Climb Higher
Whooping cough, or pertussis, cases in the U.S. have reached their highest levels in more than a decade. This year has seen an alarming jump compared to recent years, with over 33,387 cases reported so far. That’s nearly five times the 6,733 cases reported in 2023.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that this resurgence reflects a return to pre-pandemic patterns, as the measures that curbed the spread of many infections—such as mask mandates and social distancing—are no longer in place.
Ohio leads the weekly tally, with 68 cases reported in the last week, followed closely by New York with 48. Overall, New York has the highest total for 2024, with 2,653 reported cases. Meanwhile, Wyoming remains the only state to report no cases this year.
Why the Spike Matters
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that poses a significant risk, especially to vulnerable populations like infants and adults with weakened immune systems. Babies under one year old are at the highest risk, as their developing immune systems are less capable of fighting the infection.
The consequences can be severe. For adults, whooping cough may cause bruised ribs, hernias, or even broken blood vessels due to relentless coughing. For infants, complications can be much worse, sometimes fatal.
This year’s spike suggests that cases will likely continue to increase, potentially surpassing the annual average of 10,000 cases recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic. Health experts believe many cases still go undetected, further complicating efforts to control the spread.
Symptoms: What to Watch For
The hallmark of whooping cough is a severe, hacking cough followed by a characteristic “whoop” sound during inhalation. Early symptoms often mimic a common cold, including:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Fever
- Mild cough
However, as the infection progresses, it can lead to prolonged coughing fits that result in vomiting, exhaustion, or both. For adults, these episodes can cause additional complications like cracked ribs or abdominal hernias. In babies, the risks are even greater, with the potential for life-threatening complications.
If you or your loved ones exhibit these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
The Role of Vaccines in Preventing Whooping Cough
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of whooping cough prevention. While vaccinated individuals can still contract pertussis due to waning immunity over time, vaccination significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and the risk of severe complications.
Pertussis vaccines are widely available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies. The CDC encourages everyone, particularly parents of young children and adults in close contact with infants, to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.
A CDC spokesperson emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting, “As typical infection patterns return to the United States, we expect pertussis cases to increase. Vaccination is still the best way to prevent pertussis and mitigate its impact, even as protection from vaccination fades over time.”
Comparing 2024 to Past Years: The Numbers Tell the Story
The surge in whooping cough cases highlights a sharp departure from recent trends. Here’s a snapshot of the data:
| Year | Reported Cases |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6,733 |
| 2024 (to date) | 33,387 |
| 2019 (pre-COVID) | ~10,000 annually |
Notably, the pandemic’s preventative measures appeared to suppress whooping cough transmission significantly, but those patterns are now reversing. Public health officials expect numbers to stabilize around pre-pandemic levels but warn that the current trajectory could push cases even higher.
What Lies Ahead
Despite vaccination efforts, health experts believe many cases remain undiagnosed or unreported, further emphasizing the need for public awareness. The return to normal activities post-pandemic has allowed pertussis to regain its foothold, and continued vigilance will be critical in managing its spread.
For now, the message is clear: get vaccinated, watch for symptoms, and stay informed. As the U.S. confronts its highest whooping cough numbers in over a decade, protecting the most vulnerable populations—particularly infants—must remain a top priority.
