Whooping Cough Cases Reach Highest Levels in a Decade Across the U.S.
The CDC reports over 32,000 cases of the vaccine-preventable disease in 2024, with declining vaccination rates and waning immunity contributing to the surge.
- The U.S. has recorded 32,085 cases of pertussis in 2024, a fivefold increase from 2023 and the highest annual total since 2014.
- Experts attribute the rise to declining vaccination rates, missed immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the limitations of the current pertussis vaccine's long-term effectiveness.
- Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York have reported the highest case counts, with Wisconsin logging 2,365 cases, including outbreaks in schools and 94 cases in infants.
- Pertussis, known as whooping cough, is highly contagious and particularly dangerous for infants and vulnerable populations, with symptoms including severe coughing fits and difficulty breathing.
- Health officials stress the importance of vaccination, including boosters every ten years for adults, to prevent severe cases and protect at-risk groups.
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