The US has reported over 32,000 cases of whooping cough so far in 2024, marking a decade-high and surpassing the total from 2019. Experts attribute the spike to a return to pre-pandemic levels, with the number of cases more than six times higher by December 14 compared to the same period last year.
Infants under 1 are at greatest risk for serious disease and death from whooping cough due to their developing immune systems. The surge in reported cases is also linked to decreasing childhood vaccination rates, which have led to more outbreaks of the disease.
Michigan’s health department has seen a tenfold increase in whooping cough reports this year, compared to its annual average from 2020-2023. The state’s vaccination rates are among the lowest in the country, contributing to the spike in cases. As a result, public health officials are sounding the alarm about the dangers of whooping cough and the importance of vaccination.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/12/24/whooping-cough-cases-highest-level-us