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7mo ago

US Whooping Cough Cases Surge by Over 340%, CDC Reports

The dramatic rise in infections is linked to missed vaccinations and waning immunity post-pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had preliminarily documented more than 17,600 whooping cough infections in the U.S. as of Oct. 5, 2024—more than four times the nearly 4,000 infections recorded at this time in 2023.
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Overview

  • The CDC reports over 17,600 cases of whooping cough in 2024, marking a 342% increase from last year.
  • Infants under one year old are at the highest risk, with nearly one-third requiring hospitalization due to severe complications.
  • The resurgence is attributed to missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased herd immunity.
  • The most affected states include Pennsylvania, New York, and California, with significant case numbers reported.
  • Experts emphasize the importance of up-to-date vaccinations, especially the Tdap booster for adults and pregnant women.