United States: In a development that has garnered attention across public health sectors, cases of whooping cough have surged to the highest levels seen in a decade, according to US health authorities on Thursday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that, to date, 18,506 incidences have been documented. This figure marks the steepest incline in reported cases since 2014 when the numbers reached a staggering 21,800 by this time of year.
While the uptick was somewhat anticipated—given that pertussis naturally experiences peaks every three to five years—it signals a return to pre-pandemic levels of respiratory infections. Pertussis, much like other infectious diseases, saw a dramatic decline amid widespread COVID-19 lockdowns and precautions but is now reasserting its foothold, according to reports by AP News.
Nevertheless, the escalating tally has stirred apprehension in several states, particularly Wisconsin. This year, Wisconsin has registered approximately 1,000 cases, a stark contrast to just 51 the previous year. Such a sharp rise has amplified concerns among local health officials.
Nationally, there is added trepidation given that vaccination rates among kindergarteners dipped last year, with vaccine exemptions climbing to unprecedented levels. The CDC reported that Wisconsin’s kindergarten vaccination coverage stands at around 86%, notably lower than the national rate of over 92 percent.
Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, often mimics the initial symptoms of a common cold—marked by runny noses and sneezing—before morphing into a debilitating, persistent cough. Antibiotics can treat it, yet the disease continues to pose a significant threat, particularly to young children. Introduced in the 1950s, the pertussis vaccine, which is combined with tetanus and diphtheria in a single shot, remains an essential part of routine immunizations. Adults are advised to receive a booster every decade, as per AP News.
Historically referred to as the “100-day cough,” due to its notoriously long duration, pertussis can be especially hazardous for infants and young children, often leading to severe complications. Thus, vaccination during pregnancy is strongly encouraged, as it imparts immunity to newborns, offering critical protection during their most vulnerable months. Furthermore, individuals who frequently interact with infants are urged to keep their vaccinations up to date.
However, this year’s outbreaks are affecting an older demographic. Health professionals have observed that the majority of new cases are emerging among adolescents and teens. For example, in Pennsylvania, outbreaks have primarily occurred in middle schools, high schools, and even universities. Similarly, Douglas County, Nebraska, has reported a surge in cases among school-aged children, according to Justin Frederick, deputy health department director. His own teenage daughter is among those afflicted.
“It’s an atrocious disease. Even after completing her antibiotic course, she still wakes up in terror, unable to breathe as she coughs violently,” Frederick shared, painting a vivid picture of the illness’s severity, according to AP News.
Swift testing and antibiotic treatment remain pivotal, emphasized Dr Kris Bryant, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Norton Children’s in Louisville, Kentucky. For those exposed to the bacterium, preventive antibiotics can help mitigate its spread.
“Preventing pertussis is well within our capabilities,” Bryant asserted. “The silver lining is that we have vaccines that are both safe and highly effective.”