Whooping cough, or pertussis, is making a strong comeback in the United States, with cases doubling from last year and exceeding 8,000 in 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than twice as many cases have been logged so far this year compared to the same point in 2024.
The rise in cases is linked to falling vaccination rates, particularly among children. Pennsylvania has seen 207 cases, while Michigan has reported 516 cases, with some schools experiencing vaccination rates as low as 30%. Public health experts are concerned, citing the increased risk of death for infants before they receive their first vaccine dose.
Notably, at least five people have died in the past six months, including two infants in Louisiana. Outbreaks are occurring in populated areas and among school-age children. The illness spreads through respiratory droplets and is typically treated with antibiotics.
Experts warn that the trend is similar to the rise in measles cases in recent years, highlighting the importance of maintaining vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks. With more than 70 years of relative calm from major whooping cough outbreaks, this current surge puts public health at risk.
Source: https://www.newser.com/story/367694/whooping-cough-cases-double-in-us-as-vaccine-rates-decline.html