Whooping Cough Cases Surge in the US: What You Need to Know

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Whooping cough, or pertussis, is making a comeback in the US and cases are at their highest level in a decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 18506 cases to-date, the highest since 2014. Experts note that whooping cough peaks every three to five years, but the numbers are increasing, due to declining vaccination rates and increasing vaccine exemptions in some states.

What’s Behind the Surge? 

The rise signals a return to pre-pandemic levels of infectious diseases. During COVID, illnesses like pertussis dropped due to social distancing, mask-wearing, and reduced travel. However, as restrictions eased, diseases like whooping cough resurfaced. Wisconsin, for example, has experienced an increase in cases—from just 51 last year to around 1000 this year. Nationally, the CDC has reported a drop in kindergarten vaccination rates and a rise in vaccine exemptions. In Wisconsin, 86% of kindergartners received the whooping cough vaccine, compared to the national average of 92%. The decline in vaccination is contributing to the surge.

Understanding Whooping Cough Symptoms 

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that usually starts like a common cold, with a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. As it progresses, the cough becomes more severe, often resulting in violent coughing fits, followed by a “whooping” sound when the person breathes in. 

While whooping cough affects people of all ages, it is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, who are at a high risk for serious complications like pneumonia, seizures, and even death. 

How to Monitor for Whooping Cough 

If you or a family member start showing cold-like symptoms, it’s important to watch for indications that it could be whooping cough. As the illness progresses, the cough becomes more persistent and severe, often accompanied by coughing fits and the “whooping” sound. In infants, the “whoop” may be less pronounced, but they may experience pauses in breathing (apnea), which can be a serious symptom. If you notice a worsening cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can help reduce the severity of the illness and prevent it from spreading.

Monitoring body temperature regularly is an important step in detecting symptoms early. A thermometer like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, which offers quick and accurate readings, can help you spot a fever early. Regular temperature checks are crucial for identifying fever, an early sign of illness, and seeking timely medical advice to curb the spread of whooping cough.

Sources: 

EXERGEN P/N 850290, Rev 1