Rising Pertussis Cases in Coos County Prompt Public Health Warning

The recent rise in pertussis cases within Coos County has sparked concerns among public health officials, particularly as outbreaks in schools and communities raise alarms. Coos Health and Wellness (CH&W) reported an uptick in both confirmed and presumptive cases of whooping cough, which is notably impacting both vaccinated and unvaccinated students. As of 2025, the U.S. has documented over 8,485 cases of pertussis, a significant increase from 4,266 during the same timeline in 2024. The bacterium Bordetella pertussis, responsible for the disease, leads to severe respiratory illness characterized by intense coughing spells, particularly dangerous for young children and infants. Vaccination, historically successful in controlling pertussis, has seen declining rates over the past two years, largely attributed to rising anti-vaccine sentiment and cuts to immunization services. This decline, coupled with a changing vaccine formulation that may provide shorter protection duration, underscores the urgent need for increased vaccine uptake. The World Health Organization estimates 24.1 million pertussis cases globally result in 160,700 deaths annually among children under five. Public health experts advocate for routine vaccination to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially infants, who are at the highest risk for severe complications, including pneumonia and seizures. Supports for continued vaccination education and outreach are crucial at this juncture as multiple studies, including one by ProPublica, highlight that rising measles and pertussis cases signal broader public health risks, echoing concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy and its implications for community health. With health officials encouraging symptomatic individuals to seek medical advice, the importance of vigilance and preventive measures is more critical than ever, highlighting a collective responsibility to uphold community immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases.