Whooping Cough Cases Surge Across U.S., Reaching Pre-Pandemic Levels

A sharp rise in pertussis infections highlights waning immunity, low vaccination rates, and cyclical disease patterns.

California has reported 1,744 whooping cough cases in the first nine months of 2024, a significant increase from 288 cases in the same period last year.
Nationwide, the CDC has recorded over 25,000 cases of pertussis in 2024, the highest level at this point in the year since 2014.
Experts attribute the rise to reduced vaccination rates, waning immunity, and a natural three-to-five-year disease cycle.
Infants, who are too young to be vaccinated, face the highest risk of severe complications, including apnea and pulmonary hypertension.
Public health officials urge vaccination for children, pregnant women, and caregivers to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease.