Cases of whooping cough were lower in 2020-2023 than in 2019 due to increased masking and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, preliminary reports show that the number of cases in December 2024 would surpass the number of cases from December 2019. We are still waiting for complete numbers from December 2024. Infants have historically been most affected by whooping cough, and this remains true in 2024. This increase is likely due to a combination of factors including increased surveillance and waning vaccine protection.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that spreads mainly through coughing and sneezing. Early-stage symptoms can be mild and include a runny and stuffy nose. Later stage symptoms can be more severe, and coughing can be so intense it may be hard to breathe, eat, or sleep.

The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for people of all ages starting at two months of age. It is given as a combination vaccine with diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP for children younger than 7 years old; Tdap for older children and adults).

Early treatment for whooping cough is important, and antibiotics can help make the infection less severe if given early.

In December 2024, it is estimated that six times as many cases were reported compared to December 2023. We are still learning about the cause of this increase.

We are still learning about the cause for this increase in cases, and complete data from 2024. Other factors that we are still learning more about is the long-term effectiveness of whooping cough vaccines.