In recent weeks, health officials across the U.S. have been sounding the alarm about a sharp increase in cases of whooping cough (pertussis), a highly contagious respiratory disease that poses particular risks to young children and babies. This uptick in cases has been especially pronounced in South Dakota, where more than 50 new cases were reported in October alone. As of November 4, a total of 143 cases have been confirmed in the state in 2024. This local surge is part of a broader national trend, with many states seeing increased pertussis activity.
Why the Increase?
The rise in whooping cough cases is troubling for several reasons. Pertussis is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. The disease often begins with symptoms that mimic a common cold, making it difficult to identify early on. It is most dangerous for infants and young children, particularly those under 1 year of age, who are at greater risk for complications. Hospitalization is required for approximately half of all infants diagnosed with pertussis before their first birthday.
The increase in cases could be attributed to several factors, including lower vaccination rates in some communities, waning immunity in adolescents and adults, and the cyclical nature of pertussis outbreaks. While the disease was nearly eradicated in the U.S. due to widespread vaccination in the 20th century, it has never been fully eliminated and continues to cause periodic outbreaks.
Vaccination: The Key to Prevention
The best way to prevent whooping cough is through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of shots to protect infants, children, and adults from pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus, all of which are covered in combination vaccines (DTaP for children, Tdap for older individuals).
- Babies: Infants should begin receiving the DTaP vaccine starting at 2 months of age. They will need a series of five doses of the vaccine to build adequate immunity. The full schedule includes doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, with booster shots at ages 15–18 months and again at 4–6 years.
- Adults: All adults should get a Tdap booster shot every 10 years. This is especially important for those who will have close contact with infants, such as parents, caregivers, and healthcare workers. The Tdap vaccine helps to prevent the spread of pertussis to vulnerable infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.
- Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should receive a dose of the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. This ensures that the mother has adequate immunity to pass on to the baby before birth, providing the newborn with some protection during their first few months of life. This is a crucial step in protecting infants from pertussis, as babies are especially vulnerable to severe complications and hospitalization from the disease.
What to Look For: Early Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Pertussis typically begins with symptoms that resemble a cold, making it difficult to distinguish from other common respiratory infections early on. These early symptoms, which can last for 1–2 weeks, may include:
- Runny nose
- Low-grade fever
- Mild, occasional cough
- Apnea (pauses in breathing) in babies
As the disease progresses, the symptoms worsen and can lead to severe coughing fits. The hallmark sign of whooping cough is a "whoop" sound that occurs at the end of a coughing fit, as the person struggles to catch their breath. In some cases, the coughing fits may be so severe that they result in vomiting or exhaustion.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you or your child exhibit the early symptoms of whooping cough, particularly if there has been recent exposure to someone with the disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early testing and treatment with antibiotics can reduce the severity and spread of the disease. Once the cough progresses into its more severe stages, antibiotics are less effective, but they can still help prevent transmission to others.
If you notice any of the following signs in an infant or young child, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Difficulty breathing or pauses in breathing (apnea)
- Severe coughing fits that do not stop
- Vomiting or exhaustion after coughing fits
- Bluish color around the lips or face due to lack of oxygen
The increase in whooping cough cases nationwide highlights the importance of vaccination, not only for infants but also for adults, caregivers, and pregnant women. By ensuring that everyone is up-to-date on their vaccinations, we can protect the most vulnerable members of our communities—especially babies—who are at the highest risk for severe illness.
With pertussis on the rise, it's critical that we all do our part to prevent the spread of this dangerous disease. Speak with your healthcare provider about vaccinations for yourself, your children, and any future pregnancies. Early detection and treatment can save lives, so keep an eye out for the early signs and seek medical attention if you suspect you or a loved one may have contracted pertussis.
Stay informed, stay protected, and help spread the word about the importance of vaccination to protect our most vulnerable from pertussis. Winner Regional Clinic can be reached at (605) 842-2626 for an appointment, Monday through Friday from 7:30AM to 5PM. Our ER is open 24/7.
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