Whooping Cough Cases Surge in the U.S., Prompting Public Health Concerns

Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals troubling trends in whooping cough, or pertussis, cases this year. As of 2025, the nation has witnessed 8,485 cases—double the numbers reported last year. This uptick isn't entirely surprising. Experts attribute the rise to a combination of factors, including the post-pandemic return of routine health practices that had been interrupted during COVID-19, such as masking and social distancing, which temporarily masked the incidence of various infectious diseases. Notably, whooping cough outbreaks are cyclical, typically peaking every two to five years. A key aspect of the current outbreak is the declining vaccination rates among children, with many parents opting for vaccine exemptions—these exemptions have reached an all-time high. Dr. Ericka Hayes, senior medical director at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, expressed concern over the increasing anti-vaccine sentiment in the United States and its impact on herd immunity. According to medical guidelines, a vaccination rate of at least 95% is necessary to maintain herd immunity. Without this level of coverage, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough may continue to rise, jeopardizing the health and safety of vulnerable populations, especially infants. The report underscores the fact that the illness is particularly dangerous for very young children and infants, who are not yet fully vaccinated, leading to severe complications and even fatalities. Tragically, two infants in Louisiana and a five-year-old in Washington have died due to complications from whooping cough in recent months. The CDC recommends a series of vaccinations for infants and emphasizes the importance of administering the pertussis vaccine to expectant mothers to protect newborns. Despite these recommendations, Dr. Hayes notes a concerning gap in vaccination uptake among pregnant women, which could leave newborns unprotected. States like Pennsylvania and Michigan report increased cases of whooping cough, particularly in urban areas and among middle and high school students. Pennsylvania has registered 207 cases in 2025, while Michigan has confirmed 516, primarily among children aged 5 to 17. With some schools reporting vaccination rates as low as 30%, public health officials are alarmed by the emergence of 'pockets' of unvaccinated individuals who are at higher risk. The public health response to these challenges is exacerbated by resource constraints, as noted by Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian from Michigan’s health department, suggesting that the health system is being stretched thin across multiple fronts, including measles outbreaks. The surge in whooping cough cases calls for renewed public health efforts to address declining vaccination rates and combat misinformation regarding vaccines to ensure community immunity and protect vulnerable populations. As we navigate these ongoing health challenges, it remains crucial for the public to reassess the importance of vaccinations, not only for individual health but also for community well-being. The situation highlights the need for enhanced public health messaging and community education to counteract rising anti-vaccine sentiments and promote vaccination as a fundamental component of public health policy.