Whooping Cough is Making a Comeback: What You Need to Know

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is experiencing a concerning resurgence in the United States. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that cases of this vaccine-preventable disease have reached their highest levels in a decade.

A Surge in Cases

As of December 14, 2024, there have been a staggering 32,085 cases of pertussis reported to the CDC, a fivefold increase from the 6,500 cases recorded in 2023. This alarming spike in cases points to several contributing factors, including declining vaccination rates.

Understanding Pertussis

Pertussis is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Its most characteristic symptom is a severe, uncontrollable coughing fit that often ends in a “whooping” sound as the person tries to catch their breath. While pertussis is generally mild in adults, it can be more serious in young children, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

A History of Success, Followed by a Decline

The first pertussis vaccine was developed over a century ago, but it wasn’t widely adopted until the late 1940s when it was combined with vaccines for tetanus and diphtheria (the DTaP vaccine). This combination vaccine has been instrumental in reducing the burden of pertussis in the United States. Prior to widespread vaccination, there were hundreds of thousands of pertussis cases reported annually.

The COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently slowed the spread of pertussis due to social distancing measures. However, as normalcy returned, cases began to rise again. This year’s surge is particularly concerning because it surpasses levels seen since 2014.

The Changing Landscape of Pertussis Vaccines

In the 1990s, the United States switched from the whole-cell pertussis vaccine to a newer, safer acellular form. While this new vaccine offers advantages in terms of safety, it provides less immediate and sustained protection than the older version. This has led some experts to predict larger and more frequent outbreaks of pertussis in the future.

Vaccination is Key

Despite the challenges posed by waning immunity and evolving vaccine types, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent pertussis. Encouragingly, a majority of children under two years old and teens have received the recommended DTaP and Tdap vaccines. However, only about 43% of adults over 18 have received a booster shot in the past decade, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

Pertussis remains a global health concern, causing millions of cases and countless deaths each year, particularly among young children in countries with low vaccination rates. Protecting ourselves and our communities through vaccination is crucial in combatting this preventable disease.

Speak to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated or boosted against pertussis to help protect yourself and those around you.