Whooping Cough Resurgence: What You Need to Know

After a significant decline in cases during the pandemic due to social distancing and isolation measures, whooping cough, or pertussis, is making a comeback. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a troubling trend: the incidence of whooping cough is climbing back to pre-pandemic levels.

Current State of Whooping Cough

As of mid-2024, the U.S. has reported 10,865 cases of whooping cough, marking more than a threefold increase compared to the same period last year. This rise is also higher than the figures recorded at this time in 2019. Experts caution that these numbers might be underestimations, as many individuals with mild symptoms may not be tested for whooping cough.

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, attributes this resurgence to delays in routine vaccinations during the pandemic. The interruption in vaccination schedules, particularly for children and pregnant women, has likely fueled the current increase in cases. As we enter the summer and fall seasons—periods when pertussis cases traditionally peak—it's crucial to be vigilant, especially with children returning to school and respiratory illnesses on the rise.

Recognizing Whooping Cough Symptoms

Whooping cough presents with a range of symptoms including sneezing, a runny nose, fever, watery eyes, and severe coughing fits. In severe cases, these coughing spells can cause breathing difficulties, turning lips, tongues, and nail beds blue due to lack of oxygen.

Dr. Aaron Milstone, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, emphasizes that early detection can be challenging. The initial symptoms of pertussis can closely resemble those of a common cold, making it difficult to differentiate without proper testing. “Adults often have whooping cough but are not diagnosed,” notes Dr. James Cherry, a distinguished professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from whooping cough. They may exhibit the characteristic “whoop” sound between coughing fits, while adults can experience violent coughing episodes that may occur during meals or sleep, potentially leading to fainting or broken ribs.

Transmission and Prevention

Whooping cough spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Dr. Milstone advises practicing good cough etiquette—covering your mouth and nose and washing hands frequently—to minimize the risk of transmission. Individuals can be contagious from about a day before symptoms appear and for up to three weeks after coughing begins.

Treatment Options

Treatment typically involves antibiotics, which are most effective when administered within the first three weeks of infection. While antibiotics can reduce the contagious period, they do not speed up the recovery from cough once it has begun. Most people can manage symptoms at home by staying hydrated and using a humidifier to ease coughing. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Dr. Schaffner underscores the importance of prevention over treatment, noting that whooping cough can persist for weeks or even months despite treatment.

Vaccination as a Preventive Measure

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent whooping cough. The pertussis vaccine, often combined with those for diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP), is safe and highly effective. Children who complete the full vaccination schedule have a 98% chance of being protected a year after their last dose, though this protection decreases over time.

Health officials recommend that pregnant women receive the vaccine during each pregnancy. This not only protects the mother but also transfers antibodies to the fetus, safeguarding newborns before they are old enough for their first routine vaccinations at 2 months. Research indicates that vaccination during pregnancy can prevent around 78% of whooping cough cases and about 90% of hospitalizations in infants younger than 2 months.

For those in close contact with newborns—such as grandparents, babysitters, and nannies—staying up-to-date with vaccinations is crucial. The CDC advises additional doses throughout childhood, with a total of five doses by age 6, followed by a booster dose at age 11. Adults should receive a booster every 10 years, either as a combined vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis or as a tetanus-diphtheria shot alone. Dr. Milstone recommends the combined vaccine to provide comprehensive protection.

If you’re uncertain about your vaccination status or the timing of your last shot, consult your healthcare provider or check local immunization registries.

Conclusion

The resurgence of whooping cough highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and prevention. Ensuring that you and your family are up-to-date with vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of infection and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

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