The incidence of whooping cough in the U.S. has been increasing for several years, with cases continuing to rise in 2025. Simultaneously, fewer Americans are being vaccinated against the disease.
Here’s what you should know about the current increase in whooping cough cases.
A bad year for whooping cough
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,116 cases of whooping cough in 2021. By 2024, this number had risen to 35,435 cases. According to an analysis by ProPublica, 7,111 cases of whooping cough have been reported so far this year. This figure is more than twice the number of cases reported during the same period in 2024.
According to ProPublica’s analysis of recent federal kindergarten vaccination data, vaccination rates for whooping cough have decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic. There has also been a significant decline in routine childhood vaccinations for other diseases, including hepatitis B, polio, and measles, mumps, and rubella.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory infection. While it can affect individuals of all ages, infants under one year old face the highest risk of infection and the development of severe symptoms or complications, as indicated by the .
Initial symptoms may resemble those of a common cold, such as a mild fever, slight or infrequent coughing, a runny or congested nose, a sore throat, and watery eyes, according to the . After a week or two, the cough can evolve into extended and forceful coughing spells that disrupt daily activities, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or breathe. During inhalation, individuals may produce a “whoop” sound and may even vomit as a result of these episodes.
How contagious is it?
Whooping cough is highly infectious. The Cleveland Clinic states that individuals with whooping cough can transmit the infection from the beginning of symptoms until three weeks after experiencing prolonged coughing fits.
Is there a vaccine?
Yes, and the CDC recommends that everyone receive the whooping cough vaccine.
There are two combination vaccines available that offer protection against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. The DTap vaccine is administered to children , while the Tdap vaccine is given to people , according to the CDC. Pregnant women also receive a dose of the Tdap vaccine to enhance their own immunity and provide some protection to their babies before they can be vaccinated. All adults should receive a Tdap booster , as protection can diminish over time.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the vaccine can lower the likelihood of contracting whooping cough or experiencing severe complications if infected.
How is it treated?
Whooping cough is typically . According to the Cleveland Clinic, medication helps prevent infected individuals from spreading the disease. While it won’t stop the coughing fits, early treatment may lessen their .
The CDC advises that individuals severely ill with whooping cough may require hospitalization for monitoring of their breathing and administration of oxygen and fluids if necessary. According to the , approximately one-third of infants under one year old who contract whooping cough need hospital treatment.
The agency’s data indicates that common complications in children under one year old include apnea—life-threatening pauses in breathing—and pneumonia. According to the , one in 100 infants under the age of one will die from complications.
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