CDC Reports Over 23,500 Whooping Cough Cases in U.S. in 2024, Pennsylvania Leads

Nov 21, 2024, 05:05 PM

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is experiencing a significant resurgence across the United States in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 23,500 cases so far this year, a stark contrast to the roughly 5,000 cases confirmed in all of 2023. This surge is attributed to factors such as waning vaccine immunity, potential pathogen evolution, and decreased vaccine coverage following the decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC data shows rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae have surged in babies, adding to the concern. Pennsylvania has been identified as having the highest number of cases this year, with a notable outbreak reported at Upper Merion High School in Montgomery County. Other states like Arkansas, Ohio, and California are also witnessing significant increases in cases, with San Diego County reporting the most in California. Public health officials are urging increased vaccination efforts, particularly for infants, to curb the spread of the disease.