Warnings have been issued by several states regarding the bacterial infection.
The latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a rise in cases of whooping cough nationwide compared to the previous year.
As of Sept. 20, CDC data shows 14,569 confirmed cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in 2024,
according to reports. Last year, there were 3,475 reported cases of whooping cough, according to the CDC.
The CDC has reported an increase in pertussis cases in 2024.
In an August news release, the CDC stated, “Preliminary data indicate that the number of cases reported as of week 33, as of August 17, 2024, is more than four times higher than the same period in 2023.” The CDC also noted that the number of cases this year has surpassed the levels seen in 2019, before the pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) for the Americas issued an alert on July 24 regarding a global increase in pertussis cases, particularly in North and South American countries. WHO also mentioned a rise in cases in Europe during the latter part of last year and the first half of this year, as reported by
PAHO.
Health Warnings
Health authorities emphasize that whooping cough, a highly contagious disease, poses a significant risk to young children, especially infants. The infection affects the respiratory system and can lead to prolonged coughing fits lasting several weeks.
The Alaska Department of Health recently
announced an increase in whooping cough cases caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria during the summer. The state reported 61 cases in August, 90 in July, 25 in June, and a total of 26 cases in all of 2023.
Similarly, the Florida Department of Health
confirmed a rise in pertussis cases in July, with numbers exceeding the five-year average. The department reported 66 cases in July and a total of 266 cases in 2024.
In July, Florida health officials reported 66 cases of whooping cough in the state.
“In 2024, there have been 266 reported cases of pertussis. These numbers are approaching pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. The pandemic mitigation measures likely reduced pertussis transmission,” stated the Florida Department of Health.
A recent case of whooping cough led to the cancellation of a college football game between South Dakota and Portland State over the weekend.
The game was called off after Portland State announced, “A case of pertussis (whooping cough) was detected among the Viking team members two days before the game. Pertussis is a highly contagious lung disease, exposing many team members to the infection,” as noted in a
statement.
While it was unclear which member of Portland State had pertussis, the team assured that none of their players were severely ill at that time.
Symptoms
According to the CDC, pertussis initially resembles a common cold but is characterized by a persistent cough lasting several months. The coughing fits associated with pertussis are described as severe, sometimes causing vomiting.
In addition to coughing, pertussis may present with mild fever, sleep disturbances, breathing difficulties, and even rib fractures, according to the CDC. WHO states that pertussis is highly contagious and primarily spreads through coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms typically manifest between one to ten days after exposure to the infection.
Although pertussis was prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, childhood vaccination programs have effectively controlled its spread.
Possible in Vaccinated Individuals
The CDC has emphasized the importance of childhood vaccinations in preventing pertussis. However, it acknowledges that pertussis cases can rise in both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations when typical infection patterns return.
Pertussis can also occur in vaccinated individuals due to the waning immunity provided by vaccination, as per the CDC.
The CDC
recommends the DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. This vaccine is routinely administered during childhood, along with vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and sometimes hepatitis B.
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