Hawaii Faces Rising Threats from Measles and Whooping Cough

Hawaii Faces Rising Threats from Measles and Whooping Cough

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has reported no additional confirmed cases of measles since two were identified in early April. Fortunately, these instances, linked to international travel, did not result in further community spread. However, health officials warn that the measles situation remains precarious nationwide, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states this year alone.

In light of this escalating trend, the DOH advocates for heightened vigilance and promotes efforts to enhance the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rates among residents.

Alarmingly, alongside measles concerns, Hawaii is witnessing a significant increase in pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. As of May 15, 2025, the state has recorded 108 cases, surpassing the total of 84 cases for all of 2024. Pertussis is an extremely contagious respiratory disease, primarily transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Initially resembling common cold symptoms, it can develop into severe coughing fits—culminating in a distinctive “whooping” sound during inhalation, particularly in children.

• **Health Risks:** The potential health complications of pertussis are notably severe and can be life-threatening, especially for unvaccinated infants and young children.
• **Severe Outcomes:** Complications may include pneumonia, seizures, apnea (pauses in breathing), encephalopathy (brain disease), and even death.

DOH emphasizes the value of vaccination as the most effective preventative measure against whooping cough, recommending either the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccines for individuals throughout their lifespan. Routine immunizations are recommended for infants, children, and adults alike, reinforcing the need for community-wide immunization adherence.

Despite the demonstrated efficacy of vaccines in curbing such diseases, vaccination rates for routine childhood immunizations—including those for measles, pertussis, polio, and chickenpox—have been declining, both nationally and specifically in Hawaii, since 2019. This decline places Hawaii below national averages and raises concerns among health officials.

In light of these developments, the DOH strongly urges that both children and adults remain current with vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Residents are encouraged to engage in discussions regarding vaccinations with trusted healthcare providers.

Looking at the broader picture, other states are experiencing similar challenges. For instance, Arizona is currently projected to see its highest annual whooping cough case count in a decade. As of mid-May, the state reported 464 probable and confirmed cases of pertussis, marking an 80% increase compared to the previous year. Experts, including pediatricians, caution that infants—who are too young to be vaccinated—are particularly vulnerable to the virus, necessitating extra care and vaccination among those in close contact with them.

With vaccination rates among Arizona kindergarteners dropping from approximately 95% a decade ago to just 89% last year, public health officials stress the urgency of restoring confidence in vaccines to protect not only individual health but also community well-being.