Illinois health officials have issued a warning as cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, have surged to their highest levels in two decades. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, October saw 408 cases, with over 1,900 confirmed and probable cases reported so far this year.
The state’s surge in pertussis is on par with a national trend, which follows a sharp drop in cases during the COVID pandemic. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra has urged residents to ensure they are up-to-date on their pertussis vaccinations, particularly for children under 7 and adults.
Schools have also been notified of the increase, and reminders about vaccination requirements were issued. The CDC reports that there have been over 23,000 cases of whooping cough in the US this year, nearly five times the total number reported in the same time frame between 2023 and 2024.
The surge is attributed to lax observance of mitigation measures like masking, which became more prevalent during the pandemic. Infants under 12 months are most at-risk for severe complications, while teens and adults typically recover with no lasting effects.
Health officials have also warned of an unusual increase in bacterial infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, particularly affecting young children aged 2-4 years. The CDC notes that this trend marks a shift from previous years, where cases were typically seen in school-aged children and adolescents.
Symptoms of whooping cough include mild early symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, and fever, progressing to uncontrollable coughing fits with thick mucus accumulation inside airways. Coughing attacks can cause vomiting, red face, and extreme fatigue.
Source: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/health/health-wellness-science-news/idph-warns-of-whooping-cough-increase-as-cases-reach-levels-not-seen-in-20-years/3613760