CDC Reports Surge in Whooping Cough Cases

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, cases are five times higher than they were at the same point last year, according to preliminary data presented on Sept. 14 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recorded that 14,569 cases of whooping cough had been confirmed so far this year, which is a significant increase compared to last year’s total of 3,475 cases.

The U.S. recorded the greatest number of whooping cough infections since 2014. Dr. Susan Hariri of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said whopping cough, which is a bacterial infection, is showing no indication of slowing down.

Many health experts believe the growing number of cases can be attributed to post-COVID-19 pandemic vaccine fatigue, NBC News reported. While babies are often given the DTap vaccine, which protects against three diseases—pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus—the vaccine has show less effectiveness for pertussis over time. Advisors to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration met Friday to discuss the need for more robust and longer-lasting versions of the whooping cough vaccine.

Currently, pertussis boosters are recommended about every 10 years, starting in the tween years. Tweens and teens whose immunity against whooping cough has decreased are driving outbreaks in many states, experts said. Health experts also believe the number of actual whooping cough cases is much higher as many don’t seek medical attention.

Currently, global pertussis vaccine coverage is approximately 86%, according to the World Health Organization.