CDC Reports Record Surge in Whooping Cough Cases in the U.S.

Cases of whooping cough have surged to unprecedented levels since 2014, with the CDC reporting four times as many cases compared to last year. This year alone, over 16,000 cases have been recorded, along with two confirmed fatalities. In 2023, more than 3,700 cases were reported nationwide. The CDC stated, “The number of whooping cough cases this year is higher than at the same time last year,” and noted a trend towards pre-pandemic levels, where over 10,000 cases are typically seen annually.

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Infants under one year old are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from the infection. The CDC highlighted that nearly one in three babies in this age group who contract whooping cough require hospitalization, with common complications including apnea and pneumonia.

Experts attribute the rise in cases to missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the effects of mask mandates and social distancing, which previously reduced transmission rates. Data shows that there were 289 cases reported for the week ending September 28, with the West Coast and Middle Atlantic regions—comprising New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania—showing the highest incidence of cases this year.