Whooping Cough Cases in the U.S. Surge to Over 32,000, a 5-Fold Increase from 6,500 Last Year

Dec 26, 2024, 04:19 PM

Whooping cough cases in the United States have surged to over 32,000 in 2024, marking the highest levels in a decade. This figure represents a nearly fivefold increase from the 6,500 cases reported during the same period last year. Health experts express concern regarding the potential impact of the incoming administration on vaccination efforts and public health initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. According to Dr. Jason Newland, chief of infectious diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the current number of cases is six times greater than the same time last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that whooping cough cases are beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels, raising alarms among health officials as the trend shows no signs of slowing down.