Surge in Whooping Cough Cases Alarms Health Officials

Recent data indicates a significant surge in whooping cough (pertussis) cases across the United States, with the CDC reporting six times as many cases toward the end of 2024 compared to the previous year. In Kendall County, Illinois, health officials noted 14 cases from August to mid-December, a stark increase from the typical 1-2 cases for the season. Similar trends are observed in South Dakota, where cases increased by 962% in 2024, with schools reporting active cases and emphasizing the disease's dangers, particularly for infants. Health experts cite factors such as decreased vaccination rates during the pandemic and waning immunity as contributors to this rise. In California, health officials are monitoring the situation closely, as they report alarming increases in cases, including severe outcomes for unvaccinated infants. Authorities across affected regions are urging vaccinations and prompt reporting of symptoms to mitigate the outbreak.