Whooping cough cases are on the rise in the US: What you need to know
The United States is experiencing a sharp rise in whooping cough cases, with a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing a five-fold increase compared to last year. The resurgence is particularly alarming in states like Pennsylvania, Delaware, and California, where numbers have far exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
National and local epidemics
According to the CDC, more than 17,000 cases of whooping cough have been reported nationwide this year, a sharp increase from the 3,260 cases recorded in 2023. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware are particularly hard hit. Pennsylvania has seen a 10-fold increase, while Delaware has seen an alarming 17-fold increase. Likewise, California is in the midst of an epidemic, with a dramatic rise in whooping cough cases in 2024, rivaling pre-COVID pandemic levels.
Health officials have noted that infants younger than 1 year old are most at risk because their small airways make it difficult to fight off infections, often leading to hospitalization. In Delaware County alone, there have been 182 confirmed cases this year, compared with just one case last year.
Why are whooping cough cases on the rise?
The return of whooping cough is due in part to the relaxation of pandemic-related precautions, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, which have helped reduce the spread of many respiratory infections in recent years. Pediatricians and infectious disease experts also point to skipped vaccines as another factor behind the rise. Many families have skipped routine childhood vaccinations during the pandemic, leaving a gap in herd immunity.
Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes. Initially, the illness mimics a cold with symptoms such as a runny nose, mild fever and cough. Over time, the cough becomes more severe and often leads to violent coughing fits, especially in infants and young children. In some cases, violent coughing causes vomiting or difficulty breathing.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against whooping cough. The Tdap vaccine (which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is recommended for infants, children, and adults. Infants can begin receiving the DTaP vaccine as early as two months of age, but until that age they are dependent on protection from adults. Pregnant women are recommended to receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, usually around 27 weeks, to help pass immunity to their newborns.
Despite its importance, only about 44% of adults in the United States are up to date with their Tdap vaccine. Pregnant women are especially encouraged to get vaccinated, but in 2023, only about 55% of women who have recently given birth have received the recommended dose.
How to protect your family
Health officials stress the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations, especially for pregnant women, infants, and people with weakened immune systems. Adults are recommended to receive a Tdap booster every 10 years. Additionally, good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and staying home when sick, can help reduce the spread of whooping cough.
For parents of infants, it is essential to watch for any signs of respiratory distress, including shortness of breath or severe coughing. If there are any problems, it is important to see a health care professional right away.
As whooping cough cases continue to rise, proactive measures such as vaccination and public awareness are essential to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent rise in whooping cough cases and highlights the importance of vaccination to help stop the epidemic.
Refrences
- Whooping cough cases rise dramatically nationally and across Delaware Valley, CDC says – 6abc.com – (Accessed on oct 16, 2024)
- Whooping cough outbreak hits CA as U.S. cases surge to pre-pandemic levels – abc7.com – (Accessed on oct 16, 2024)
- Whooping cough and walking pneumonia cases are up. Here’s what to know and how to help keep your family safe. – cbsnews.com – (Accessed on oct 16, 2024)
- Whooping Cough Is Spreading Again after Years of Relative Quiet – scientificamerican.com – (Accessed on oct 16, 2024)
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