Outbreak of Whooping Cough Spreads Across US

Alabama and North Carolina are among the states addressing a resurgence of whooping cough, a Victorian-era disease, with case numbers reaching 123 in Alabama and 525 in North Carolina. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 2024 has seen a fivefold increase in cases compared to 2023, with over 16,000 infections nationwide and two confirmed deaths.

Whooping cough, known medically as pertussis, is an infectious disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. The ailment is characterized by severe coughing fits, fever, and in severe cases, vomiting and breathing difficulties. It remains fatal in roughly one percent of cases among infants. The disease surged in the spring, waned over the summer, and is rising again, potentially worsened by the upcoming cold season.

Health officials link the outbreak to declining vaccination rates, a trend that has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC recommends inoculating children with the Tdap vaccine, which offers 98% protection against the disease when administered in the first year of life. Vaccine uptake, however, has been declining, with notable exemptions observed in states like Idaho, Arizona, and Utah.

In Alabama, outbreaks have been identified in schools and at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, indicating a 300% increase from the previous year. North Carolina has also reported outbreaks, with Buncombe County particularly affected. Andrew Mundhenk from the Henderson County Department of Public Health noted that the pattern resembles the spring outbreak.

Efforts to mitigate the spread include recommending vaccinations and educating the public about the disease’s high contagion factor, which primarily affects children in close contact environments such as schools. Vaccination remains crucial, particularly for children under one year, who are most susceptible to severe complications.

In Missouri and Arkansas, cases have spiked, with Missouri witnessing a 744% increase to 422 cases, and Arkansas also reporting a significant rise. In these states, the bacteria have predominantly affected school-aged children and teenagers. Dr. Vasudha Kota of Mercy Pediatricians emphasized the severity of whooping cough when contrasted with common viral infections, as symptoms worsen over time.

Medical experts urge vaccinations as the optimal method to curb the spread of pertussis. Early preventive treatments are recommended for those exposed to the disease, and antibiotics can be effective for those infected. Healthcare professionals remain on high alert, receiving regular notifications of new cases.