Whooping cough, a highly infectious respiratory infection that had seen a decline in recent years, has made a significant comeback in the United States. According to federal data, cases have doubled in Ohio, from nearly 800 in 2023 to over 1,600 as of mid-December.
Dr. Amy Edwards, associate medical director of pediatric infection control at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, attributes the surge to decreasing vaccine rates. With fewer people immune due to vaccines and natural immunity lower as well, more individuals are getting infected. The decline in vaccination rates has led to a spike in whooping cough cases across the country, particularly among older kids and teens.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 32,000 cases of whooping cough in 2024, a significant increase from about 6,500 cases in 2023. The illness spreads through person-to-person contact via droplets exhaled by sneezes and coughs, and can last for weeks or months.
Dr. Donald Dumford, infectious disease physician at the Cleveland Clinic, notes that whooping cough is highly contagious, with up to 80-100% of household contacts susceptible if not immune. He emphasizes the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to prevent transmission. Adults should receive a TDaP vaccine every 10 years, while children’s DTaP series includes three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, followed by boosters.
With the number of cases rising, health experts stress the need for early detection, proper hygiene practices, such as wearing masks in public, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, and limiting stress.
Source: https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2024/12/whooping-cough-is-back-with-a-vengeance-heres-what-you-need-to-know.html