Whooping Cough Cases Surge in the U.S.: A Call to Action on Vaccination

As 2025 draws to a close, the United States faces a concerning public health challenge with whooping cough, also known as pertussis. For the second consecutive year, the nation has witnessed an alarming rise in cases, surpassing 25,000 infections. This trend highlights the urgent need for renewed focus on vaccination as a critical defense against this preventable illness.

Whooping cough, often referred to as the “100-day cough,” begins with mild symptoms that mimic a cold—such as a runny nose, fever, or a persistent cough. However, it can quickly escalate into severe coughing fits that last for weeks or even months. The distinctive “whoop” sound may emerge as the illness progresses, particularly in young children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nearly 28,000 cases of whooping cough in 2025, following a peak of 35,493 cases in 2024. This surge is particularly alarming given that only 7,063 cases were recorded in 2023. Tragically, this year has also seen 13 deaths attributed to pertussis, most of which were infants under one year old.

The increase in whooping cough cases is not isolated to the U.S. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported a staggering five-fold increase in global cases, with 977,000 infections documented last year. Experts attribute this rise to declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has contributed to a loss of population immunity.

Dr. Scott Roberts, an associate medical director for infection prevention at the Yale School of Medicine, emphasizes the role of vaccine hesitancy in this trend. “This is a vaccine-preventable illness, and any decline in vaccine rates will lead to increases in pertussis,” he warns. The CDC recommends a series of vaccinations for infants and children, starting at 2 months of age, to protect against whooping cough. Those who complete the five-dose DTaP vaccine series are 98% protected in the year following their last dose.

Unfortunately, vaccination rates have seen a decline, with coverage for the first and third doses of Tdap dropping to the lowest levels in two decades during the pandemic. The CDC advises that adults and adolescents receive a booster vaccination every 10 years, particularly the Tdap version, which protects against pertussis.

Health officials across the country are sounding the alarm. In South Carolina, for instance, state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell linked the increase in whooping cough cases to declining vaccination coverage. She stated, “This trend is both preventable and reversible. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have for protecting our communities.”

Local health departments have reported significant spikes in cases, particularly among younger children who are not up to date on their vaccinations. In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the number of whooping cough cases surged from an annual average of one or two to 68 in 2024. Similarly, Dallas County, Texas, has seen a dramatic increase from 40 cases in 2023 to at least 195 in 2025.

As the new year approaches, health experts urge families to ensure their vaccinations are current. Pregnant women are encouraged to receive the Tdap booster during their third trimester to pass on antibodies to their newborns, providing them with some immunity against whooping cough.

Symptoms of whooping cough can mimic those of viral infections, making early diagnosis challenging. Severe coughing can lead to complications such as vomiting and difficulty breathing, especially in infants. Prompt medical attention is essential when symptoms worsen.

In light of these developments, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to stay informed about local health advisories and to consult healthcare providers if their children exhibit persistent cold-like symptoms. Increased awareness and proactive vaccination can help curb the rise of whooping cough and protect vulnerable populations.

As we step into 2026, the message is clear: vaccination is vital. By prioritizing immunization, we can safeguard our communities and prevent the resurgence of this dangerous disease.