The United States has recorded more than 25,000 whooping cough cases for the second year in a row, underscoring growing concerns among public‑health experts about declining vaccination coverage and the resurgence of preventable diseases. Updated federal data show that pertussis infections have climbed well above pre‑pandemic levels, with nearly 28,000 cases reported in 2025 and more than 25,000 cases recorded earlier in the year.
Whooping cough—often called the “100‑day cough”—typically begins with mild, cold‑like symptoms before progressing into severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or months. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the illness can be especially dangerous for infants: about one in three babies under one year old who contract pertussis require hospital care.
The rise in cases follows a dramatic drop in routine childhood vaccinations during and after the COVID‑19 pandemic. Public‑health officials warn that immunity gaps are now widening, creating conditions for larger outbreaks. In 2023, the US recorded just over 7,000 cases, but infections surged to 35,493 in 2024 before remaining elevated this year.
Several states have also reported infant deaths linked to the disease, including recent fatalities in Kentucky, Louisiana, and Washington—a stark reminder of the risks posed when community immunity weakens.
As health authorities urge families to stay up to date on pertussis vaccinations, the sustained rise in cases is emerging as a critical test of the nation’s post‑pandemic public‑health resilience.
