As fall turns to winter, many people brace for cold, flu, and Covid season. But this year, a sudden spike in whooping cough cases has experts on high alert, too. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has recorded five times as many cases of the respiratory illness on September 21, 2024, compared to the same date in 2023. “The number of reported cases this year is higher than what was seen at the same time in 2019, prior to the pandemic,” the CDC noted in a report on pertussis surveillance and trends, released last week.
RELATED: The 6 Best and Worst Foods to Boost Your Flu Shot's Effectiveness.
Medical experts say there could be several reasons for the sudden surge. One is that Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes whooping cough, has undergone genetic changes that could be making it more resistant to vaccination.
However, some doctors have also suggested that fewer people are vaccinating their children with the DTaP vaccine, which protects against three diseases: pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus. This is likely due to post-pandemic vaccine fatigue, says Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP, president-elect of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. “With the increase in vaccine hesitancy that has been going on since the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re seeing outbreaks occurring in kids who are not vaccinated,” she recently told NBC News.
Until recently, Covid-era precautious appeared to provide protection among both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
“Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic,” notes the CDC, “It's likely mitigation measures used during the pandemic (e.g., masking, remote learning) lowered transmission of pertussis."
Vaccinating with the Dtap vaccine in children and the Tdap vaccine in teens and adults remains the best way to prevent the spread of pertussis and subsequent cases of whooping cough. However, the CDC acknowledges that pertussis can still occur in vaccinated people because protection from vaccination fades over time.
Additionally, washing your hands frequently, practicing good hygiene, and practicing social distancing or wearing masks around others who may be exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness can greatly reduce your risk.
RELATED: 21 Americans Infected With Mosquito-Borne "Sloth Fever"—5 Symptoms to Know.
Symptoms of whooping cough can mimic the common cold: Cough, runny nose, fever, and sneezing are common, especially in the early stages of illness. Additionally, some people may make a “whooping” sound when coughing or may gasp for air. Some children may not have a cough at all, but could experience difficulty breathing, the CDC says.
If you believe you or someone under your care is showing signs of whooping cough, contact your doctor. Using blood tests, lab tests, physical examination, and a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history, they can help you reach a diagnosis and rule out other underlying conditions.
