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6mo ago

Pertussis Cases Surge Across the U.S., Raising Health Concerns

A significant rise in whooping cough cases is reported nationwide, attributed to reduced vaccination rates and waning immunity.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com
A bottle of the pertussis vaccine against whooping cough and a syringe are show in a pharmacy in Pasadena, California on September 17, 2010.
Whooping cough cases, caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria seen here under an electron microscope, are surging in California and around the U.S., with Bay Area counties experiencing some of their highest numbers in a decade.

Overview

  • Texas has reported 772 cases of pertussis in 2024, nearly three times the number from 2023, reflecting a broader national trend.
  • The CDC notes a nationwide increase to 22,240 pertussis cases this year, marking the highest incidence in over a decade.
  • Vaccination rates for the DTaP vaccine have declined, with exemptions rising, potentially contributing to the surge in cases.
  • Whooping cough is highly contagious and can be life-threatening, especially for infants, with severe complications like pneumonia and apnea.
  • Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination, including booster shots for older children and adults, to prevent further spread.