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The United States is grappling with a major resurgence of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, with reported cases in 2024 soaring to levels not seen in years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), case numbers are more than five times higher than at the same point in 2023. As of late September, over 15,661 cases were reported nationwide, a stark contrast to the 3,657 cases recorded during the same period last year, according to Contemporary Pediatrics.
Health experts attribute the dramatic increase primarily to a return to the disease's natural cyclical patterns, which were temporarily disrupted by public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whooping cough typically sees peaks in infection every three to five years, and the social distancing and masking protocols of recent years suppressed its transmission. Now, with society back to normal, the bacteria are circulating more freely. While the spike is significant, some experts note it aligns with previous peak years before the pandemic, though concerns remain about potentially lower vaccination rates in some communities.
The surge is being felt across the country, from New York and Pennsylvania to midwestern states and the West Coast. California, in particular, has seen its whooping cough cases reach the highest levels in years, with over 1,700 cases reported in 2024 compared to fewer than 300 for all of 2023. The illness is especially dangerous for infants, who are most at risk for severe complications, hospitalization, and death. The elderly and immunocompromised individuals also face higher risks.
In response, public health officials are strongly emphasizing the importance of vaccination. The CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine for pregnant women during each pregnancy to pass protective antibodies to their babies, a measure that prevents hospitalization in 9 out of 10 infants. Vaccination is also recommended for children, adolescents, and adults to reduce the spread of the highly contagious respiratory infection. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial to lessen the severity of symptoms and prevent further transmission.
