Cases of Whooping Cough on the Rise Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

TOPSHAM, Maine — Health officials are sounding the alarm as cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, are surging across the United States, coinciding with a troubling drop in vaccination rates. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 8,000 pertussis cases were reported in 2025, a figure that represents a doubling of cases compared to the previous year. This resurgence is tragically underscored by the recent deaths of two infants in Louisiana from the disease, raising serious concerns among pediatricians and public health officials alike. Dr. Alyssa Goodwin, a pediatrician at Stellar Pediatrics in Topsham, Maine, expressed deep concern regarding the implications of these statistics. "It's newsworthy when a child dies of a vaccine-preventable illness, because we do such a good job in general protecting those kids," she asserted, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The decline in vaccination rates is particularly alarming; the CDC reported a decrease in the percentage of vaccinated school-aged children from 95% to 93% in just one school year. This slight dip may seem inconsequential at first glance but has dangerous ramifications as herd immunity falters. Despite Maine's previous high rates of whooping cough, a law enacted in 2021 mandating vaccinations for all school-age children (with specific exemptions) has contributed to lower infection rates. Nevertheless, the rising national skepticism towards vaccines, influenced by figures such as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., complicates the vaccination discourse for families. Dr. Goodwin emphasized the essential role of accurate, science-based information in guiding parental decisions about vaccinations. She expressed empathy for parents navigating this complex decision-making landscape, noting, "Parents want to do what's right for their kids, and it's just a hard decision to make when you're not getting accurate information." This sentiment reflects a broader concern shared by many in the medical community: the need for trusted resources in an age of misinformation. While infants remain the most susceptible to severe symptoms of pertussis, adults and older children can inadvertently contribute to the disease's spread. Dr. Goodwin advocates for booster shots among anyone who will be in contact with young children, reflecting the community's responsibility in safeguarding the health of its most vulnerable members. She shared her personal experience, saying, "When I had my children, I received my booster, but so did my husband and my parents because they were going to be in close contact." Booster shots are widely available at local pharmacies, and health experts recommend that anyone with questions reach out to healthcare providers or consult trusted sources like the Maine Center for Disease Control or HealthyChildren.org. This public service message aims to empower families with the necessary knowledge to protect both individual and community health as they navigate the resurgence of preventable diseases. As events unfold, it's critical to stay informed and proactive about vaccinations to prevent further tragedies like those witnessed in Louisiana.