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Pertussis

All articles tagged with #pertussis

Vaccination slump sparks record pertussis surge in Australia
health11 days ago

Vaccination slump sparks record pertussis surge in Australia

Australia is witnessing its worst whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak in 35 years as childhood vaccination rates fall after COVID-19 disruptions; 2024 saw 57,257 pertussis cases (37,663 in kids under 15) and rising into 2025, with rates near 800 per 100,000. Immunisation coverage for 1-, 2-, and 5-year-olds all miss the 95% target, and waning immunity plus reduced exposure during lockdowns are blamed for increasing population susceptibility. Measles cases have risen as well, underscoring the risk of outbreaks if vaccination does not rebound. Experts urge clearer information and renewed vaccination efforts to avert further harm.

Pertussis Resurgence: Vaccination Remains the Best Shield
your-health23 days ago

Pertussis Resurgence: Vaccination Remains the Best Shield

Pertussis (whooping cough) is resurging nationwide and in California, with infant cases up by 54% in the first three quarters of 2025. The illness progresses in three phases and can cause severe complications, especially in babies under six months. Vaccination—DTaP in early childhood, TDap boosters for teens and adults, and vaccination during pregnancy—remains the safest, most effective defense and is key to achieving herd immunity. Antibiotics help reduce contagiousness when given early but don’t reliably shorten illness if started late. California’s AB 144 ensures the pediatric vaccine schedule remains in place.

US Faces Surge in Whooping Cough Cases Amid Vaccination Decline
health2 months ago

US Faces Surge in Whooping Cough Cases Amid Vaccination Decline

The US has reported nearly 28,000 cases of whooping cough this year, a significant increase linked to declining vaccination rates and waning immunity, especially among children and adults. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, including booster shots, to prevent severe illness and outbreaks, as the disease remains a serious health threat, particularly for infants.

Rise in Whooping Cough Cases Amid Declining Vaccination Rates
health2 months ago

Rise in Whooping Cough Cases Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

Cases of whooping cough are rising in the U.S., reaching levels not seen since 2014, due to declining vaccination rates among children, which is fueled by vaccine hesitancy. The disease can be severe, especially for infants, and is largely preventable through vaccination, but many communities are below the recommended immunization coverage, leading to outbreaks and preventable deaths.

Oregon's Whooping Cough Cases Reach Pre-Pandemic Highs Amid Declining Vaccinations
health2 months ago

Oregon's Whooping Cough Cases Reach Pre-Pandemic Highs Amid Declining Vaccinations

The article highlights a concerning rise in whooping cough cases in the U.S., surpassing pre-pandemic levels due to declining vaccination rates, especially among children, which increases the risk of severe illness and death, particularly in infants. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, including booster shots for adults and pregnant women, to protect vulnerable populations and curb the spread of this highly contagious disease.

Hawaii Honeymoon Destination Faces Rise in Pertussis Cases Amidst Measles Concerns
health9 months ago

Hawaii Honeymoon Destination Faces Rise in Pertussis Cases Amidst Measles Concerns

Hawaii is experiencing a rise in pertussis cases, with 108 reported this year, surpassing last year's total, amid declining vaccination rates. Health officials warn that the highly contagious bacterial disease can cause severe complications, especially in unvaccinated children. The outbreak highlights concerns over vaccine hesitancy, which could lead to larger outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles across the US, where vaccination rates are falling and the risk of a significant resurgence is increasing.

Flu and RSV Surge Amid Low Vaccination Rates in Children
health1 year ago

Flu and RSV Surge Amid Low Vaccination Rates in Children

Michigan is experiencing a significant rise in pertussis, or whooping cough, with over 1,500 cases reported, more than double the average from previous years. The disease, which can be severe in infants, often requires hospitalization but is preventable through vaccination. Health officials are urging families to ensure vaccinations are up to date, especially with the holiday season approaching, to protect vulnerable populations like babies and those with chronic health conditions. The DTaP vaccine is recommended for children and pregnant women, while adults are advised to get a TDaP booster every 10 years.

Whooping Cough Cases Surge Across the U.S., Reaching Record Levels
health1 year ago

Whooping Cough Cases Surge Across the U.S., Reaching Record Levels

Minnesota is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases in over a decade, with 2,324 cases reported, primarily in the Twin Cities metro area. This increase aligns with the typical three to five-year cycle of the disease, which is also rising nationally after a pandemic-related decline. The median age of those affected is 14, and the waning immunity of the vaccine, typically given at ages 11-12, is a concern. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations, especially for pregnant women and children, as immunization rates have dropped among Minnesota kindergartners.