Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise in the US, CDC Says

A Surge in Cases: A Look at the Numbers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whooping cough cases have increased in the United States compared to last year. As of this year, there have been 14,569 confirmed cases of whooping cough, a significant increase from the 3,475 cases registered in 2023. This spike in cases is a cause for concern, particularly among the unvaccinated population.

Causes of the Surge: Missed Vaccinations and Masking Measures

Experts and officials attribute the surge in whooping cough cases to a combination of factors, including missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation measures such as masking requirements that lowered the transmission of the infection.

Dr. Tina Tan, president-elect of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, stated, “With the increase in vaccine hesitancy that has been going on since the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re seeing outbreaks occurring in kids who are not vaccinated.” She emphasized that unvaccinated teens are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

About Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is characterized by a prolonged and severe cough. It typically develops about a week after exposure to the infection and can lead to difficulty breathing after consecutive coughing spells. Vaccines such as DTap and TDap can protect individuals against whooping cough.

Hospitalization and Complications

Babies under one year of age are at the highest risk of contracting whooping cough and developing severe complications. According to the CDC, around one-third of babies in this age range who contract the disease require hospitalization, with Apnea and Pneumonia being the most common complications.

Current Situation: Hotspots and Trends

As of the week ending September 14, there were 291 reported cases of whooping cough across the country. New York, excluding New York City, had the most cases with 44, followed by Oklahoma with 40, Ohio with 39, and Pennsylvania with 38.

A Call to Action: Importance of Vaccination

Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of whooping cough. Dr. Tan stated, “We’ve been seeing increasing amounts of disease occurring in adolescents and the adult population because they’re not getting vaccinated like they should.”

Conclusion

The CDC’s statistics highlight the importance of vaccinations in preventing the spread of whooping cough. With the disease returning to pre-pandemic levels, it is essential that individuals, particularly those in high-risk groups, take action to protect themselves and their loved ones. By staying informed and up-to-date on vaccination guidelines, we can work towards reducing the incidence of whooping cough and promoting a healthier population.

FAQs

Q: What is whooping cough, and what are its symptoms?
A: Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by a prolonged and severe cough. Symptoms typically develop about a week after exposure to the infection and can lead to difficulty breathing after consecutive coughing spells.

Q: Who is at risk of contracting whooping cough?
A: Babies under one year of age are at the highest risk of contracting whooping cough and developing severe complications.

Q: How can whooping cough be prevented?
A: Vaccines such as DTap and TDap can protect individuals against whooping cough. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease.

Q: What are the common complications of whooping cough in babies?
A: According to the CDC, Apnea and Pneumonia are the most common complications of whooping cough in babies under one year of age.

Q: Where are the current hotspots for whooping cough in the US?
A: As of the week ending September 14, the top five states for whooping cough cases were New York (excluding New York City), Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.