Whooping Cough Cases Surge Across the U.S.: What You Need to Know

Whooping cough cases are surging across the United States, with government data showing they are now three times higher compared to this time last year.

This year, there have been 16,375 recorded cases of whooping cough (pertussis), up from 3,771 cases during the same period in 2023, indicating the illness is spreading at an aggressive rate.

Some states like Pennsylvania and Illinois have seen a massive jump in cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes intense coughing fits. Patients typically make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they breathe in after a coughing fit. The coughing can be so severe that people might vomit or break a rib.

Pertussis can cause fever, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and trouble breathing, along with a lingering cough.

“Adults infected with whooping cough can cough for quite a long time—sometimes this is referred to as the ‘hundred days cough,’” Amesh A. Adalja, MD, an infectious disease expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told Verywell.

 Here’s what’s causing the surge and how to protect yourself.

Why Are Whooping Cough Cases Surging?

One possible explanation for the surge in whooping cough cases is the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Thomas Russo, MD, a professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York. Public health measures and safety protocols that were implemented to curb COVID spread have largely been rescinded.

“We’re seeing the same things with pertussis that we’ve seen with a variety of infections post-pandemic,” Russo told Verywell.

Another reason is the decline in vaccination rates against whooping cough in recent years. “We’ve had a little bit of a downtrend in our vaccination rates,” Russo said.

He also noted that pandemic-related lockdowns and social distancing meant fewer people were exposed to common infections. As a result, there is now an “increasingly susceptible population” at greater risk of contracting whooping cough, he added. The illness is also highly contagious, making it more likely to spread.

The vaccine—called DTaP for children and Tdap for adults—is not very effective either, according to Adaljia. This leaves even vaccinated individuals vulnerable to infections over time.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Whooping Cough?

The effectiveness of the whooping cough vaccine varies. In teens, it ranges from 73% in the first year after vaccination to 34% by the fourth year. Despite this decline, doctors still recommend staying up to date with vaccinations. Notably, vaccine effectiveness is higher for children—up to 98% in the first year after their last dose and 71% five years after their last dose.

"Everyone should get vaccinated during childhood and following the usual Tdap schedule,” Adalja said. “Additionally, pregnant women should be vaccinated during each pregnancy—ideally in the 3rd trimester. Also, individuals in contact with newborns should be up to date with vaccination.”

Adults should get a booster dose every 10 years, Russo said. If you’re unsure when your last dose was, consult your doctor or local health department about your vaccination record.

“Everyone should be on top of their Tdap,” Russo said. “It’s not only beneficial for you, but for your loved ones, too.”