Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise: A Challenging Year Ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many health issues under control, but another contagious disease is making a comeback: whooping cough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 8,485 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in the United States as of 2025.

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It affects people of all ages but is most severe in young children and infants. The disease is characterized by sudden, severe coughing fits, often followed by a characteristic "whoop" sound.

Rising Cases: A Concern for Public Health

The CDC's preliminary data indicates that whooping cough cases are on the rise, with 8,485 reported cases in 2025. This represents a significant increase from previous years and poses a concern for public health officials.

Why is Whooping Cough Making a Comeback?

There are several reasons why whooping cough may be making a comeback:

• Vaccination fatigue: The widespread use of pertussis vaccines has led to concerns about vaccine efficacy and the potential for "vaccine fatigue." This could result in decreased vaccination rates, particularly among certain populations such as teenagers and young adults.
• Antibiotic resistance: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. This makes it more challenging to treat whooping cough effectively.
• Increased travel and international connectivity: The increased ease of global travel has led to a greater exchange of people, ideas, and diseases across borders.

Impact on Public Health

The rise in whooping cough cases poses significant challenges for public health officials:

• Hospitalization rates: Young children and infants are at highest risk of complications from whooping cough. Hospitalization rates can be high, placing a strain on healthcare resources.
• Transmission risks: Whooping cough is highly contagious, making it essential to implement effective infection control measures in schools, workplaces, and communities.
• Economic burdens: The economic impact of whooping cough can be substantial, particularly in terms of lost productivity, missed school days, and medical expenses.

What Can Be Done?

To mitigate the spread of whooping cough and minimize its impact on public health:

• Vaccination efforts: Encourage vaccination among all eligible populations, including teenagers and young adults.
• Infection control measures: Implement effective infection control measures in schools, workplaces, and communities to reduce transmission risks.
• Public awareness campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks of whooping cough and the importance of vaccination.

Conclusion

The rise in whooping cough cases poses a significant challenge for public health officials. To combat this issue, it is essential to implement effective vaccination efforts, infection control measures, and public awareness campaigns. By working together, we can reduce the spread of whooping cough and protect vulnerable populations.

Statistics:

• 8,485 reported cases of pertussis in the United States as of 2025 (CDC preliminary data)
• 85% of children under the age of one with whooping cough require hospitalization
• The CDC recommends that all infants receive a pertussis vaccine at two months, four months, and six months of age

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Pertussis Data.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Whooping Cough.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can work together to combat the spread of whooping cough and protect public health.