HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant resurgence of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in the United States. The CDC warns that vaccine protection against the disease is waning, leading to a rise in cases across the nation. Pennsylvania has seen a particularly high number of cases, with over 2,000 reported this year alone – a tenfold increase from the same period last year.
Whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can initially present symptoms similar to a common cold. The disease progresses through different phases, with the paroxysmal phase characterized by severe coughing fits that end with a distinctive “whoop” sound. Infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to serious complications from whooping cough.
In an interview with Penn State Health Children’s Hospital Pediatrician Dr. Banku Jareth, it was revealed that while the hospital has not yet seen cases of whooping cough, there has been a significant increase in cases in other parts of Pennsylvania. Dr. Jareth emphasized the importance of vaccination as the best preventive measure against the disease, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to a temporary decline in cases due to increased hygiene practices and social distancing.
Vaccination for whooping cough typically begins in infancy, with a series of doses administered up to the age of six. Boosters are recommended at age 11 and then every ten years thereafter. Pregnant women are also advised to receive the Tdap vaccine in their third trimester to provide passive immunity to their newborns, who cannot receive the vaccine until they are six weeks old.
The surge in whooping cough cases serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in protecting public health and preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Health officials urge parents, caregivers, and individuals to prioritize vaccination to safeguard against outbreaks and minimize the risk of complications associated with whooping cough.