Whooping cough cases in the U.S. have surged this year, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned.
The illness, also known as pertussis, has seen a drastic increase compared to 2023. A map below shows cases by state, indicating how severe it has gotten.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 4,876 cases of whooping cough reported up to week 21 of 2024, which marks a drastic increase from the 1,755 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
The recent spike in cases has been particularly evident in states like New York, where the year-to-date figures have risen sharply. New York (excluding New York City) has reported 477 cases this year, compared to 96 cases last year. Pennsylvania also saw a substantial increase with 601 cases in 2024, up from 108 in 2023.
In addition to these numbers, 138 new cases of whooping cough were reported in the past week across 15 states. The surge in cases has drawn attention to the importance of vaccination and public health measures.
The FDA is concerned because the illness is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It can be very dangerous, particularly to infants and those with compromised immune systems, as it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and even death. Symptoms begin with mild cold-like signs, including a runny nose and mild cough, but progress to severe coughing fits that can produce a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in. These fits can be debilitating, causing vomiting and exhaustion.
The rise in cases this year can be put down to several factors. Decreased vaccination rates, partially due to vaccine hesitancy, have played a significant role.
This is of increased concern particularly as the immunity for the pertussis vaccination wears off over time, meaning booster shots are needed, which many may not bother with.
Public health disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have also contributed, as routine medical visits and vaccinations were delayed. Increased awareness and improved reporting systems could also account for the higher recorded numbers.
Following this worrying rise in cases, public health officials are urging everyone to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
The CDC will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing weekly updates on the spread of the disease. As the data indicates a worrying trend, health experts emphasize the role of vaccines in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.
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