Public health officials are monitoring a growing number of whooping cough cases in the Kansas City metro area and nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control reported over 32,000 pertussis cases in 2024, with triple-digit increases from last year’s totals.
Experts say decreasing vaccination rates and lack of booster shots are contributing to the rise. “We know there are decreased vaccination rates overall,” said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Kansas Health System.
Vaccinations against pertussis typically lose potency over time, making regular updates essential. Symptoms like heavy coughing, sneezing, and fever can last for weeks. Adults who remain unvaccinated or out-of-date on their shots are more likely to spread the illness to others, including young children.
To mitigate the spread of the disease, local health officials recommend that people stay home while sick, especially if they have symptoms similar to those of other respiratory illnesses. Children under two are most vulnerable and require protection from adults.
The CDC cautions that whooping cough can be tricky to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms to other conditions. However, prompt medical attention and early reporting can help contain outbreaks.
Source: https://fox4kc.com/health/kansas-city-metro-seeing-rise-in-whooping-cough-cases