Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is experiencing a resurgence in many parts of the world after a lull during the COVID‑19 pandemic. In the United States, reported cases are climbing back toward pre-pandemic norms: as of mid‑2024, more than double the number of cases were reported compared to the same period in 2023. In the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization has issued an epidemiological alert citing rising pertussis rates in several countries, attributed in part to drops in vaccination coverage during the pandemic years.
This resurgence is concerning because whooping cough can be dangerous—especially for young infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immunity. Even older children and adults with waning immunity can transmit it, often without recognizing that their cough is pertussis. Understanding how pertussis spreads, how to spot its symptoms, and how to protect your family is critically important right now.
What Is Whooping Cough & Why It Returns
What Happens in a Pertussis Infection
Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or, occasionally, B. parapertussis). After an incubation period (typically 5 to 10 days but possibly up to 3 weeks), the illness often begins like a mild respiratory infection: runny nose, low-grade fever, and occasional cough.
As the disease progresses, the cough becomes more intense, featuring repeated fits of rapid coughing and sometimes followed by a “whoop” sound when patients gasp for air. Vomiting or exhaustion may follow coughing episodes. The paroxysmal coughing stage may last weeks (commonly 4–6 weeks or more).
Why Are Cases Increasing Again?
Several factors contribute to the resurgence:
Waning immunity: Immunity from both vaccination and natural infection decreases over time. Booster doses are necessary to maintain protection.
Declines in vaccination coverage: During the pandemic years, many routine immunization services were disrupted, leading to gaps in vaccination.
Reduced natural boosting: In periods of low disease circulation (e.g. due to masking or distancing), people do not get periodic exposure that might boost immunity naturally.
Cyclical outbreaks: Pertussis has natural cycles, with peaks every 3–5 years even in well-vaccinated populations.
Under‑recognition in older ages: Teens and adults may have milder symptoms, leading to missed diagnosis and ongoing transmission to vulnerable people.
For example, in the UK, new data in 2024 recorded over 10,000 confirmed pertussis cases, with many occurring in infants and pregnant women advised to get vaccinated to protect newborns. In the U.S., surveillance shows that reported cases are now returning to typical pre-pandemic levels (around 10,000+ per year) after a lull during 2020–2022.
Who Is at Greatest Risk & When to Seek Help
Vulnerable Populations
Infants (< 12 months): They are most at risk for severe complications, including pneumonia, apnea (pauses in breathing), hospitalization, and death.
Pregnant women (especially late pregnancy): Vaccination during pregnancy can help protect the baby through passive antibodies.
People with weakened immunity or chronic lung disease: More likely to have severe or prolonged illness.
Older children, adolescents, and adults: While they often get milder disease, they can act as reservoirs of transmission.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you or your child experience persistent, severe coughing spells (especially at night), coughs ending in gasps or difficulty breathing, or a “whoop” sound (though not everyone has this), see a healthcare provider. Early intervention can reduce severity and the chance of spreading to others.
Testing for pertussis is done via laboratory methods (e.g. PCR, culture) in the early phase of disease. Antibiotic treatment (e.g. macrolides) is effective, especially when given early, and can reduce contagiousness.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Child
Vaccination Is Key
Primary vaccine series: Infants receive a series of DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccines, typically at 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months, and 4–6 years.
Booster (Tdap): Protection diminishes over time, so booster doses are recommended, often in adolescence and adulthood.
Vaccination in pregnancy: Many health agencies now recommend a Tdap dose during each pregnancy to help shield the infant until they are old enough for vaccination.
“Cocooning” approach: Ensuring that all close contacts (parents, siblings, caregivers) are up to date on pertussis vaccination to reduce chances of infecting infants.
Hygiene, Isolation & Early Action
Because infected people in the early (“catarrhal”) stage may exhibit only cold-like symptoms — while already contagious — it’s crucial to practice good respiratory hygiene, including covering coughs, frequent handwashing, and avoiding close contact when ill.
If someone in a household has pertussis, isolate them (especially from infants or vulnerable people) until at least 5 days after starting appropriate antibiotics.
Maintain good ventilation in indoor spaces.
If exposure is known (e.g. a confirmed case in your community or household), health authorities may recommend prophylactic antibiotics (for certain age groups or risk levels).
Stay Vigilant & Advocate for Public Health
Stay up to date with local public health guidelines and alerts in your area.
Support catch-up vaccination campaigns, especially in communities with low coverage.
Educate your family and social circle about the importance of pertussis vaccination and dispel misinformation.
In Summary
Whooping cough is returning in many regions, with cases rising as vaccination coverage dipped and immunity waned during periods of low transmission.
The disease is most dangerous in infants and young babies, but can spread via older children or adults who may not know they have it.
Vaccination — both the childhood DTaP series and Tdap boosters, including during pregnancy — is the most effective protection.
Good hygiene, early medical intervention, and avoiding transmission to vulnerable people are essential complementary strategies.
If you like, I can also produce a localized version for the Philippines (or your region) with pertussis statistics and vaccine schedules. Would you like me to do that?
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Pertussis (Whooping Cough) CDC+1
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Pertussis / Whooping Cough World Health Organization+1
- Mayo Clinic – Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Symptoms, Causes & Prevention Mayo Clinic
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) – “Global cases of whooping cough rise … strengthen surveillance and vaccination” Pan American Health Organization
- UK Health Security Agency / Government reports on pertussis in the UK GOV.UK+1
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