Whooping Cough Cases Surge to Over 32,000 as of December 14, Six Times Last Year, Approaching Near-Record Levels

Dec 26, 2024, 02:45 PM

Whooping cough cases in the United States are surging, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting over 32,000 cases this year, a sixfold increase compared to the same period last year. As of December 14, 2024, this figure represents a significant rise from the 5,100 cases recorded at the same time in 2023. Health officials express concern as the current numbers approach near-record levels, indicating a return to pre-pandemic rates of infection. Dr. Jason Newland, chief of infectious diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, emphasized the alarming nature of this surge, which is being noted across the country during the holiday season.