Severe Whooping Cough Outbreak in Texas Raises Health Concerns

Texas is currently experiencing a severe outbreak of whooping cough, with cases skyrocketing to over 3,500 this year, according to the state's health department. This marks a fourfold increase compared to the same time last year.

The report indicates that this is the second consecutive year Texas has seen significant surges in whooping cough cases, raising serious public health concerns. Nationally, whooping cough cases have also been on the rise, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting an alarming increase in cases over the past two years.

The CDC's latest data indicates that in 2024, the United States experienced roughly six times as many whooping cough cases compared to 2023. While cases remain elevated, they appear to be trending down since peaking last winter.

Federal public health data systems have faced delays in updates due to the government shutdown, but as of late September, at least 20,939 pertussis cases have been reported nationwide, a slight decrease from the 21,391 cases reported at the same time last year.

The surge in whooping cough cases coincides with a decline in vaccination rates. CDC data shows that only about 92.1% of kindergarteners were vaccinated against whooping cough during the 2024-2025 school year, a drop from approximately 95% before the pandemic.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacteria. The disease can be spread from the onset of symptoms and for at least two weeks after coughing begins.

Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold, but the coughing can persist for weeks or even months. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial to mitigate the severity of the infection. Further analysis reveals that states like Nebraska, Idaho, Oregon, and Hawaii currently have the highest rates of whooping cough across the nation, according to recent data from Epic Research.

Although doctor visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations have decreased compared to the peak seen last winter, the ongoing outbreak underscores the vital importance of vaccination and public awareness regarding this contagious disease.

The situation in Texas serves as a critical reminder of the need for continued vigilance in public health efforts to combat vaccine-preventable illnesses.