Whooping cough, a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, is resurging in the United States after being nearly eliminated by vaccines in the 1970s. Before vaccines were introduced in the late 1940s, pertussis, as it's medically known, was a leading cause of childhood illness and death. Cases dropped dramatically from over a million diagnoses between 1940 and 1945 to fewer than 3,000 per year by the 1970s. Today, several states are reporting significant outbreaks, with most deaths occurring in babies younger than three months old who are too young to be vaccinated.

Why Is Whooping Cough Spreading Again?

The resurgence of whooping cough stems from several factors, including improved diagnostic tests that catch more cases, increased spread of the bacteria itself, and waning immunity from current vaccines. Even vaccinated people can contract and spread the infection, though they typically experience milder symptoms. This means that teenagers and adults who may not realize they have whooping cough can unknowingly transmit it to vulnerable infants and young children in their households or communities.

The bacteria spreads easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one third of babies younger than one year old who contract whooping cough end up hospitalized. Young children face additional risks of serious complications, including pneumonia, pauses in breathing called apnea, and dehydration.

What Are the Symptoms and Why Is the "Whooping" Sound So Distinctive?

Whooping cough typically begins with cold-like symptoms, which is why it often goes undiagnosed initially. After one to two weeks, the illness progresses into what doctors call the paroxysmal stage, when the mild cough transforms into something far more severe. During this stage, people experience violent coughing fits that often result in vomiting and are followed by a distinctive whooping sound as they struggle to breathe in. These coughing episodes may occur anywhere from a few times a day to several times per hour, often worsening at night and disrupting sleep. This exhausting stage can last up to three months.

The population at highest risk for severe complications includes very young infants, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

"Pertussis complications can be severe, but there is a vaccine available. This is why everyone should get vaccinated against it and seek treatment early if they develop whooping cough symptoms, as we have good antibiotics to treat pertussis," said Dr. Mora, CEO of Chicago Allergy Center.

Dr. Mora, CEO of Chicago Allergy Center

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Whooping Cough

• Get Vaccinated on Schedule: Two types of vaccines protect against whooping cough across the lifespan. The DTaP vaccine protects young children against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, while the Tdap vaccine protects preteens and adults. Children need five doses of DTaP by age six, starting at two months old, for best protection.
• Vaccinate During Pregnancy: Pregnant people can provide short-term protection for their babies by receiving a Tdap vaccine between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy. This approach lowers the risk of whooping cough in babies younger than two months old by almost 80%.
• Boost Immunity as a Preteen or Adult: Preteens should receive one Tdap shot between ages 11 and 12, and adults who have never received a Tdap vaccine should get one as well.
• Seek Early Medical Treatment: If you or someone in your household develops symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Antibiotics are the best treatment for pertussis and work most effectively when started early to reduce severity, duration, and the risk of spreading infection to others.
• Manage Your Environment: Keep your home free of irritants that trigger coughing, such as smoke, dust, and chemical fumes. Use a clean, cool humidified mist to help loosen mucus and soothe the cough, practice proper handwashing, and drink plenty of fluids including water, juices, and soups to prevent dehydration.

While vaccines are highly effective, they are not 100% effective. Vaccinated people who do contract whooping cough typically experience milder symptoms, including a cough that doesn't last as long and coughing fits that are less common and severe.

Why Over-the-Counter Cough Medicine Isn't the Answer

Many people instinctively reach for cough medicine when dealing with a persistent cough, but this approach is not recommended for whooping cough. Over-the-counter cough medications should not be used unless your healthcare provider specifically recommends them. Instead, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are the appropriate treatment. It's important to note that treatment after three weeks of illness is unlikely to help because the bacteria are typically gone from your body by that point, even though symptoms persist. The coughing fits continue for weeks because the bacteria have already caused damage to the respiratory tract.

Whooping cough cases tend to peak during summer and fall months, so communities should be particularly vigilant about early symptoms during these seasons. If you suspect you or someone in your household might have whooping cough, your best course of action is to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to get tested and begin treatment if needed.