Whooping Cough Spikes, Especially Among Unvaccinated Teens

Whooping cough (pertussis) outbreaks have surged to the highest levels in a decade, with over 14,500 cases reported in 2024—four times higher than last year. Experts attribute this rise to post-pandemic vaccine hesitancy, particularly among adolescents whose immunity has waned since their childhood vaccinations. This highly contagious respiratory infection is often undetected, allowing it to spread unknowingly.

 

Public health professionals are urging communities to stay up to date on whooping cough boosters, especially for teens and young adults. Newborns are most at risk, as their small airways cannot handle severe coughing fits, often leading to hospitalization. Vaccination remains crucial to preventing further outbreaks. Read more from NBC News here.