Whooping cough, a condition once thought to be brought under control in the world today, is staging a nasty and unexpected resurgence. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has recorded 8,077 cases of whooping cough in 2025 so far—more than double the 3,847 cases reported during the same period in 2024. This resurgence is not just a public health concern; it’s a stark reminder of what happens when vaccination rates drop and surveillance systems weaken.Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is an extremely contagious bacterial disease that is transmitted by respiratory droplets and can happen to individuals of any age. Nevertheless, it is most dangerous to newborns and those who are not vaccinated. Sadly, just within the past six months, five children, including two infants in Louisiana, have passed away due to the complications of the illness.The recent surge is not an isolated phenomenon. It has come on the heels of a concerning trend observed among other vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as measles. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, childhood vaccination levels plummeted. According to the CDC, in 2023–2024, a mere 92.3% of kindergartners received the complete vaccination against pertussis, compared to 94.9% in 2019–2020. Vaccine exemptions—both medical and non-medical—increased by 37% during the same time frame.This reduction in coverage has undermined what public health professionals refer to as "herd immunity," placing vulnerable groups such as newborns and immunocompromised individuals at high risk. And because immunity from the DTaP or TDaP vaccine wanes over time, adolescents and adults can unwittingly act as carriers of the disease, transmitting it to unvaccinated infants.Is Whooping Cough Deadly?Yes, whooping cough can be deadly—especially for the youngest and most vulnerable. While many people recover without complications, the disease poses a serious risk for infants under six months of age. Their immune systems are still developing, and their airways are smaller, making them particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes.According to the Mayo Clinic, complications such as pneumonia, apnea (pauses in breathing), seizures, and even brain damage can occur in infants who contract the illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasizes that babies and young children are at the highest risk of life-threatening complications, including death.Who's Most at Risk?Although pertussis may produce a lingering, annoying cough in adults, the outcome in infants and young children is considerably more severe. The Mayo Clinic and CDC report that babies aged less than 6 months are at greatest risk for serious complications and death. Their immature respiratory systems are more likely to be affected by pneumonia, seizures, apnea (stoppage of breathing), brain damage, and even death.Most alarming is the reality that the illness can fail to manifest with the traditional "whoop" noise in babies. Rather, it can appear as feeding difficulty or sudden cessation of breathing—symptoms that are easily mistaken for something else until they become fatal.Identifying the Symptoms of Whooping CoughWhooping cough typically copies the common cold initially—sneezing, mild cough, and low-grade fever. Within one to three weeks, though, the symptoms worsen. The defining symptom is a violent, intractable cough followed by a sudden gasping breath that produces the characteristic "whooping" sound. Coughing spasms followed by vomiting are also typical.Diagnosis is usually established through laboratory testing of throat or nasal mucus, or through blood tests to determine the presence of antibodies.Is It Just a Bad Cough or Something More?Pertussis is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria and is highly contagious respiratory illness. The CDC believes that 80% of non-immune individuals will become infected if exposed. The bacteria bind to the cilia (microscopic hairs) of the upper respiratory tract and then release toxins that destroy the lining and lead to inflammation.One of the major challenges is that individuals are most infectious in the initial phases of illness, usually before they even realize that they have pertussis. This makes the necessity of timely diagnosis and early isolation very crucial.How Can You Prevent Whooping Cough?The best protection against whooping cough is with timely vaccination. Babies are given a course of DTaP shots from two months of age, and booster shots throughout early childhood. After children are age 11, they begin to take the TDaP vaccine, which covers tetanus and diphtheria as well.Most importantly, pregnant women should get a TDaP booster between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It enables the transfer of protective antibodies to the baby prior to birth, affording important protection during the first months of life when the infant is most susceptible.Keep sick children at home. If your child is diagnosed with pertussis, they should remain isolated until at least five days of antibiotic treatment have been completed.Inform and protect household contacts. Anyone living with an infected person should consult a healthcare provider about preventive antibiotic treatment.Practice mask-wearing. If you’ve been exposed to pertussis or are awaiting test results, wearing a mask around others can help prevent further transmission.Promote vaccine catch-ups. Parents can make sure children are up to date on all vaccinations and speak with pediatricians regarding any doses that were missed.Educate your community. Local outreach and awareness campaigns can assist in rebuilding trust in vaccines and emphasizing the importance of community protection.