Cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have surged across the United States, with current counts nearly three times higher than the same period last year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 4,864 reported cases in 2024, up from 1,746 cases in 2023.

Rapid Increase in Whooping Cough Cases

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department in Kentucky declared a pertussis outbreak after confirming nine cases since late April. Similarly, the Oregon Health Authority reported a significant rise in whooping cough cases, with 178 incidents from nine counties, representing a 770% increase from the 20 cases reported by May 29, 2023. This sharp increase aligns with trends seen in 2018 and 2019. “Our concern is with how quickly we jumped to such a high number of pertussis cases, which tells us that the disease is doing what it does best: spreading fast and taking a greater toll on under-vaccinated persons,” said Paul Cieslak, OHA’s medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations.

Understanding Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria attach to the cilia lining the upper respiratory system, releasing toxins that damage the cilia and cause airway swelling. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 10 days after exposure but can take up to three weeks to develop.

Early symptoms resemble a common cold and include a runny or stuffy nose, low-grade fever, and a mild, occasional cough. These symptoms can last one to two weeks. As the illness progresses, severe coughing fits, or paroxysms, develop, lasting one to six weeks or longer. Babies may not cough but can experience apnea, and life-threatening pauses in breathing.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Whooping cough symptoms often start with cold-like signs, such as:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
• A mild, occasional cough

One to two weeks after these initial symptoms, severe coughing fits develop, which can last up to 10 weeks. Infants may not show typical coughing but can suffer from apnea. The CDC advises seeking medical attention for severe coughing or breathing difficulties.

Diagnosing whooping cough can be challenging due to its similarity to other respiratory illnesses. Healthcare providers may use a combination of symptom history, physical exams, and laboratory tests of mucus samples or blood to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and severe cases may require hospitalization.

Prevention Through Vaccination

Two vaccines help prevent whooping cough: the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine for children under seven and the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for older children and adults. The CDC recommends that all babies, children, preteens, pregnant women, and adults who haven’t received the Tdap vaccine get vaccinated. Whooping cough spreads easily through airborne particles when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The bacteria can spread from the onset of symptoms and for at least two weeks after coughing begins. Early antibiotic treatment can reduce the contagious period.

Key Takeaways

With the recent surge in whooping cough cases, it is crucial to understand the importance of vaccination and early treatment. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical attention can help manage and contain the spread of this highly contagious disease.