Key TakeawaysWhooping cough cases are now three times higher than the number reported during the same period in 2023.Experts say lower vaccination rates and post-pandemic exposures may have contributed to the surge.Although the vaccine’s effectiveness declines over time, experts recommend staying up to date with vaccinations to reduce disease spread.

Key Takeaways

Whooping cough cases are now three times higher than the number reported during the same period in 2023.Experts say lower vaccination rates and post-pandemic exposures may have contributed to the surge.Although the vaccine’s effectiveness declines over time, experts recommend staying up to date with vaccinations to reduce disease spread.

Whooping cough cases are surging across the United States, with government data showing they are now three times higher compared to this time last year.

This year, there have been 16,375 recorded cases ofwhooping cough (pertussis), up from 3,771 cases during the same period in 2023, indicating the illness is spreading at an aggressive rate.

Some states like Pennsylvania and Illinois have seen a massive jump in cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes intense coughing fits. Patients typically make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they breathe in after a coughing fit. The coughing can be so severe that people might vomit or break a rib.

Pertussis can cause fever, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and trouble breathing, along with a lingering cough.

“Adults infected with whooping cough can cough for quite a long time—sometimes this is referred to as the ‘hundred days cough,’”Amesh A. Adalja, MD, an infectious disease expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told Verywell.

Here’s what’s causing the surge and how to protect yourself.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Why Are Whooping Cough Cases Surging?

One possible explanation for the surge in whooping cough cases is the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, saidThomas Russo, MD, a professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York. Public health measures and safety protocols that were implemented to curb COVID spread have largely been rescinded.

“We’re seeing the same things with pertussis that we’ve seen with a variety of infections post-pandemic,” Russo told Verywell.

Another reason is the decline in vaccination rates against whooping cough in recent years. “We’ve had a little bit of a downtrend in our vaccination rates,” Russo said.

He also noted that pandemic-related lockdowns and social distancing meant fewer people were exposed to common infections. As a result, there is now an “increasingly susceptible population” at greater risk of contracting whooping cough, he added. The illness is also highly contagious, making it more likely to spread.

The vaccine—calledDTaPfor children andTdap for adults—is not very effective either, according to Adaljia. This leaves even vaccinated individuals vulnerable to infections over time.

Vaccine Schedules: Standard vs. Alternative

How Can You Protect Yourself From Whooping Cough?

“Everyone should get vaccinated during childhood and following the usual Tdap schedule,” Adalja said. “Additionally, pregnant women should be vaccinated during each pregnancy—ideally in the 3rd trimester. Also, individuals in contact with newborns should be up to date with vaccination.”

Adults should get a booster dose every 10 years, Russo said. If you’re unsure when your last dose was, consult your doctor or local health department about your vaccination record.

“Everyone should be on top of their Tdap,” Russo said. “It’s not only beneficial for you, but for your loved ones, too.”

What This Means For YouWith whooping cough cases rising rapidly, staying current on vaccinations is crucial to protect yourself and others. This is especially important for vulnerable groups, such as infants and pregnant individuals. If you haven’t received a booster recently, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider.

What This Means For You

With whooping cough cases rising rapidly, staying current on vaccinations is crucial to protect yourself and others. This is especially important for vulnerable groups, such as infants and pregnant individuals. If you haven’t received a booster recently, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider.

6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly cases of notifiable diseases, United States, U.S. territories, and non-U.S. residents week ending September 28, 2024 (week 39).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough is on the rise, returning to pre-pandemic trends.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of whooping cough.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough vaccination.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) VIS.

6 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly cases of notifiable diseases, United States, U.S. territories, and non-U.S. residents week ending September 28, 2024 (week 39).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough is on the rise, returning to pre-pandemic trends.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of whooping cough.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough vaccination.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) VIS.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly cases of notifiable diseases, United States, U.S. territories, and non-U.S. residents week ending September 28, 2024 (week 39).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough is on the rise, returning to pre-pandemic trends.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of whooping cough.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough vaccination.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) VIS.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly cases of notifiable diseases, United States, U.S. territories, and non-U.S. residents week ending September 28, 2024 (week 39).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough is on the rise, returning to pre-pandemic trends.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of whooping cough.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough vaccination.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) VIS.

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