CDC : Whooping cough cases surge to record levels in US

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate a dramatic surge in whooping cough cases in the United States, with incidences exceeding pre-pandemic levels . This alarming trend can be largely attributed to a notable decline in vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DTaP vaccine is specifically recommended for children under seven years old, while older individuals are advised to receive Tdap boosters every ten years. This lapse in vaccination not only endangers individual health but also poses significant public health risks, particularly among vulnerable populations such as infants.

There have been more than 16,000 cases this year alone and two confirmed deaths, statistics revealed. In 2023, more than 3,700 cases were registered nationwide.

According to the center, babies younger than a year old are at the greatest risk of developing the infection and having severe complications. Nearly 1 in 3 babies in that age range who get whooping cough end up needing treatment in the hospital, the agency noted.

Pneumonia. 

The Hill previously reported that experts are chalking the surge up to missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as mask-wearing and other requirements that lowered transmission.

Doctors are testing for whooping cough more, so they’re identifying more cases.

It’s possible that the bacterium that causes the disease has mutated.

Also, people got behind on their vaccines during the pandemic, and they haven’t caught up.

“One of the challenges that we have with [the vaccine that protects against whooping cough] is that it is a five-dose series over the course of the first six years of a child’s life, so it does require regular visits to the primary care,” Chow said.

And, Chow said, not everyone can get to the doctor regularly.

In addition to giving antibiotics, it’s important to manage symptoms, especially in severe cases, she said.

“This might include hospitalization for infants or those with severe symptoms to monitor and treat complications.”

Approximately 160,000 children under the age of 5 die globally of pertussis each year, and there are 24 million cases annually, per CDC data.

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Sarah H

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