Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe and continuous coughing fits, even in infants on ventilators. In Louisiana, two infants have died of pertussis in the past six months, with 110 cases reported so far this year. This outbreak is part of a larger trend, with over 35,000 cases in the US last year, the highest number in more than a decade.
Experts attribute the outbreaks to increased circulation of the microbe in communities and populations with no immunity or reduced immunity being susceptible to infection. Dr. Lisa Morici notes that vaccination is key to preventing these outbreaks.
Before widespread vaccination, pertussis was a major public health concern, with over 200,000 cases per year. The vaccine has been effective in reducing infections, but booster shots are necessary to maintain protection. Declining vaccination rates and limited access to healthcare also contribute to the ongoing outbreaks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women receive the pertussis vaccine during their third trimester to prevent 78% of cases in young infants. “Cocooning,” where household members get vaccinated, is another strategy to protect infants. However, declining vaccination rates are a major concern, with thousands of US kindergartners not receiving the DTaP vaccine over the past five years.
Organizers and health experts express concern that the state’s decision to end vaccine promotion through events like health fairs will exacerbate the problem. The lack of access to healthcare in rural populations, particularly in states like Louisiana, makes it difficult for people to receive the vaccine, leading to increased risk of infection.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/02/health/whooping-cough-pertussis-louisiana/index.html