PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania – Reports of whooping cough cases are on the rise across the United States, signaling a potential challenging year ahead for healthcare professionals. Preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that there have been 8,485 cases reported in 2025. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the same time last year, as highlighted by the CDC’s final count. Experts note that rates of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, surged last year, a trend that was not unexpected. The implementation of masking and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a decrease in cases, but experts caution that the illness typically experiences peaks every two to five years.
According to Dr. Ericka Hayes from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a concerning factor contributing to the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough is the growing anti-vaccine sentiment in the United States. The decline in kindergarten vaccination rates and an increase in vaccine exemptions highlight a shift in attitudes toward vaccinations. Hayes emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate to safeguard against outbreaks and protect those who are vulnerable, such as infants who have not yet received their initial round of vaccinations.
Whooping cough, which tends to peak in the fall, is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or breathe near others. While the symptoms initially resemble those of a cold, the cough becomes increasingly severe, often accompanied by a distinctive “whoop” sound as the person struggles to breathe. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics. Tragically, in the past six months, two infants in Louisiana and a 5-year-old in Washington state have succumbed to whooping cough, underscoring the severity of the illness, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.
In the effort to combat the spread of pertussis, the pertussis vaccine, which also offers protection against diphtheria and tetanus, is administered at two months, four months, and six months of age. The CDC recommends that adults receive booster doses every ten years. Pregnant women are advised to get vaccinated to help shield newborns, as infants are particularly susceptible to the dangers posed by whooping cough before they receive their initial vaccinations. Despite these recommendations, Dr. Hayes notes that the uptake of the vaccine among pregnant women remains below the desired level, indicating a need for greater awareness and education surrounding the benefits of vaccination.
States like Pennsylvania and Michigan have seen significant increases in whooping cough cases, with concentrated outbreaks in populated areas and educational institutions. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, highlights the varying vaccination rates across different counties, noting that disparities can lead to pockets of vulnerable communities at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. As public health officials grapple with managing outbreaks and conducting contact tracing efforts, the strain on resources is evident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent further escalation of diseases like pertussis and measles in the community.