Multiple states across the United States have reported a rise in whooping cough this year. On Nov. 3, the Texas Department of State Health Services released a notice describing a “significant increase” in cases, with 3,500 infections reported from January through October 2025. This figure is four times higher than the number seen during the same period in 2024. Two days later, on November 5, the Mississippi State Department of Health announced that whooping cough cases have “dramatically increased,” reaching 130 so far this year.What Is Whooping Cough?Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It usually begins with symptoms similar to a simple cold but can progress to intense coughing spells that create a “whooping” sound when a person breathes in, as per Cleveland Clinic.These coughing fits can lead to vomiting or short pauses in breathing, especially in babies. The illness is particularly dangerous for infants, although routine vaccination offers strong protection for people of all ages.Whooping Cough SymptomsWhooping cough develops in stages. The incubation period, which is the time between exposure and the first symptoms, can range from five to 21 days. The illness progresses through three stages. The first resembles a mild cold, with tiredness, low fever, coughing, sore throat, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. The second stage can last from one to ten weeks and is known for severe coughing fits called paroxysms, vomiting, and the well-known “whoop” that follows a coughing spell. Cleveland Clinic notes that recovery forms the third stage, which can last up to six weeks.Symptoms may shift as a person moves through the phases.Initial stage (1 to 2 weeks): Symptoms mirror a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, light cough, and low-grade fever.Paroxysmal stage (after 1 to 2 weeks): The cough becomes harsher and arrives in bursts. Breathing in after a fit can create a high-pitched “whoop.” In this stage, some people may experience:Vomiting after coughing spellsBlue or purple skin due to low oxygenShort pauses in breathing (apnea), especially in infantsRecovery stage: Coughing fits begin to ease but may linger for several weeks or months.Whooping Cough: Why Are Whooping Cough Cases Increasing In the US?Experts link this rise to dropping vaccination rates, especially among children, which makes it easier for the infection to spread. Specialists warn that vaccination is the strongest tool to keep numbers under control. They also point out that whooping cough often increases in cycles every few years, and the illness cannot be fully eliminated.“We practitioners and public health professionals are concerned because we are seeing a year-after-year trend of a significant increase in cases when this is preventable,” said Hector Ocaranza, a pediatrician and member of the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Science and Health Promotion, as per Texas Tribune. “Especially a disease that can have such a severe effect on infants, older people, and those who have chronic conditions.”The agency’s latest alert, issued on November 3, also mentioned that more than half of last year’s cases appeared in November and December, suggesting that numbers may keep rising.Whooping Cough: Who Are More Vulnerable?Babies younger than six months face the highest risk because they have not yet completed their vaccination schedule. One in three infants with whooping cough needs hospital care, and one in five may develop pneumonia. Some babies experience seizures or swelling in the brain. Many infants do not cough but instead gag or turn blue or purple due to long pauses in breathing that may last more than 20 seconds, a condition known as life-threatening apnea.Healthy teenagers and adults can also catch the infection and may develop pneumonia, along with coughing fits that cause vomiting, exhaustion, and sometimes rib fractures. However, the chance of death is much lower in older children and adults. If treated early, antibiotics can ease symptoms and limit the spread of the illness.The Texas health department notes that vaccination remains the strongest form of protection and urges parents to ensure that children are current on their pertussis shots.
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