Whooping Cough Cases Are Rising Across US- How Long Is The Infection Contagious?

Whooping cough cases are skyrocketing at a record rate across US, from Texas to Michigan, health departments are seeing a rise not seen in over a decade and it's not just the numbers that have experts alarmed. The most vulnerable are babies under the age of one, and in some tragic cases, the disease has been fatal.State and local health departments across the United States are reporting an alarming surge in whooping cough, or pertussis, cases, a dramatic uptick in the respiratory disease that many had believed was in check. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there has been a staggering 1,500% increase in reported cases nationwide since 2021, fueling concerns of another widespread outbreak on top of measles.The upward trajectory in the number of cases isn't just numeric, it's deadly. In Louisiana, two infant deaths have already been confirmed in 2025, the state's first pertussis deaths since 2018. In Texas, the Laredo Public Health Department has already tallied more cases this year than in all of 2024. North Carolina and Michigan are also in triple-digit outbreaks, with 166 and 520 cases, respectively.In 2023, the U.S. recorded 7,063 cases of pertussis. That spiked to 35,435 in 2024, including 10 deaths—primarily infants under the age of one, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics. Stated Dr. Andrea Garcia, American Medical Association Vice President of Science, Medicine, and Public Health, "It's the highest number in more than a decade."Historically, pre-pandemic years saw around 15,000–19,000 cases annually. The current spike is not just a statistical uptick, but a red flag for public health.Why Is Whooping Cough So Dangerous?Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It infects the upper respiratory system by binding to cilia—microscopic hair-like appendages that function to clear airways—and producing toxins that kill these structures and lead to inflammation.Whooping Cough SymptomsThe disease is especially dangerous for infants under one year of age, and approximately one out of three is hospitalized due to severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures, or apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing).Early symptoms are misleading: runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough—so it's hard to rule out ordinary colds, COVID-19, or RSV. But within one to two weeks, the characteristic "whooping" cough appears, with violent coughing fits that sometimes conclude with a high-pitched "whoop" sound when breathing in.The illness can last anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks, and while older children and adults may experience milder symptoms, they can still spread the infection to vulnerable populations. How Long Is Whooping Cough Contagious?One of the biggest questions for families and caregivers: How long is a pertussis victim contagious?The patient can infect others as soon as symptoms of a cold appear and is contagious for up to 3 weeks after the onset of coughing. If antibiotics such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin are given at an early phase, the patient typically is no longer contagious after 5 complete days of antibiotic therapy.This prolonged period of contagion underscores the need for early detection and treatment—not just for the recovery of the patient but to break the chain of transmission.What's Causing the Surge in Whooping Cough Cases?One of the underlying reasons for the recent spike in cases is low vaccination rates, which public health officials say could jeopardize decades of progress.Dr. Garcia and others blame the resurgence on populations with low or waning immunity, particularly where vaccine coverage has dropped. This not only includes children but also adults who are due for booster shots, as vaccine immunity wanes over time.How to Stay Protected?The most effective way to prevent whooping cough is through timely and complete vaccination. For infants and young children, the DTaP vaccine—protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis—is administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with booster doses given between 15 to 18 months and again at 4 to 6 years. As children grow into adolescence, a Tdap booster is recommended at ages 11 to 12. Adults who have never received the Tdap should get a single dose, especially if they are in contact with infants. Pregnant women are advised to receive a Tdap booster during the third trimester of each pregnancy to pass on protective antibodies to their newborns, offering vital early immunity. Additionally, healthcare workers and international travelers—particularly those in close contact with infants or vulnerable individuals—should ensure their pertussis vaccinations are up to date to help curb the spread of this highly contagious illness.In those who have been exposed to the infection, post-exposure prophylaxis with antibiotics will prevent the disease from developing. The household contact or close contact must be called by the local health provider for confirmation of pertussis.The sharp increase in whooping cough infections is more than just a number, it's a public health warning sign. The disease, as preventable as it is, is killing infants and testing the limits of community immunity across the country. With its long infectious period, easily mistaken symptoms, and widening transmission rates, pertussis is a genuine threat, especially for infants.

Whooping Cough Cases Are Rising Across US- How Long Is The Infection Contagious?

Quick Stories

Bizarre Penis Changes, Eye Strokes, Creepy ‘Walking Dead’ Hands: Alarming Ozempic Side Effects Shocking The World

First COVID, Now Hepatitis, Kerala Is Facing Health Crisis As Thrissur Becomes The New Epicenter

Invasive Meningococcal Disease Confirmed In Maldives; What Are The Symptoms Of This Bacterial Infection?

Health Conditions A-Z

Doctor Says ‘Rattled’ Breathing Could Mean Someone Has Less Than 24 Hours To Live

You're Hurting Your Health If You Are Doing This While Showering

Alzheimer's Blood Test Results Show Shocking Results – How Accurate Is The Test?