As case numbers rise, public health officials are warning of yet another difficult year of battling pertussis infections, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is mostly seen in infants and young children. The number of reported cases this year has reached 8,485, which is twice as many cases as recorded this time last year. Two infants in Louisiana and a 5-year-old in Washington state have died from pertussis in the past six months.
While the number of pertussis cases dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing and masking, case numbers rose in 2024. However, experts said this uptick was not unexpected as the illness peaks every two to five years.
Still, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, like pertussis, could be a sign of the public’s attitudes toward vaccines. Kindergarten vaccination rates fell last year in the United States, with the number of children with vaccine exemptions hitting an all-time high, the AP reported.
Because the risk for infection in infants is highest before they can get their first vaccine at 2 months of age, the vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy. However, the number of mothers getting the vaccine in pregnancy is suboptimal.
One of the states hit hardest by the illness last year was Pennsylvania. So far this year, the state has recorded 207 cases, the AP reported. Michigan is another state with high case numbers. The state has recorded 516 cases so far this year, mostly among children aged 5 to 17 years. Michigan reported a total of 2,081 cases last year.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pertussis vaccines for infants and children, adolescents, and pregnant women. Adults who did not receive a vaccine either as an adolescent or adult should also receive a dose of pertussis vaccine.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis or the “100-day cough,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The infection leads to severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that can make it difficult to breathe, eat, or drink. These fits may be followed by a high-pitched “whooping” sound as the person tries to inhale, hence the name. In infants, the cough may be less pronounced, but they can experience life-threatening pauses in breathing (apnea).
Whooping cough and Black children
While overall reported incidence of whooping cough may be lower in Black children compared to White children, studies suggest that Black infants may be at higher risk for severe pertussis. This means that when Black infants contract whooping cough, they are more likely to experience serious complications requiring hospitalization. Further research is needed to fully understand the reasons for this disparity, which may involve factors such as access to healthcare, vaccination rates, or other socioeconomic determinants of health.
How to prevent whooping cough
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough. The recommended vaccines are:
- DTaP: This vaccine is given to infants and children in a series of five doses, typically at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age.
- Tdap: This booster vaccine is recommended for preteens (11-12 years old), adolescents, and adults, especially those who will be in close contact with infants. It is also crucial for pregnant women to receive a Tdap vaccine between the 27th and 36th week of each pregnancy to protect their newborns until they can be vaccinated themselves.
In addition to vaccination, practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of whooping cough and other respiratory illnesses:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when sick to prevent spreading the infection to others.
If someone in the household is diagnosed with whooping cough, healthcare providers may recommend preventive antibiotics for close contacts, regardless of their vaccination status, especially for infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to lessen the severity of the illness and prevent further spread.