Oregon Battles Historic Whooping Cough Outbreak as Vaccination Rates Decline
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Oregon is facing an unprecedented surge in pertussis cases, also known as whooping cough, with 1,475 reported infections as of December 10, 2025 – surpassing the state’s all-time record of 1,420 set in 1950. Public health officials are urgently urging residents to ensure they and their families are up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly for those who are pregnant or in close contact with infants, as the outbreak continues to escalate.
A Resurgence After Pandemic Lull
The current outbreak began in the spring of 2024, with 1,252 cases recorded by the end of the year. This dramatic increase follows a period of remarkably low incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic,when widespread masking and social distancing measures considerably curtailed the spread of respiratory illnesses. Oregon reported just three cases in 2021, 17 in 2022, and 40 in 2023. Health authorities attribute the current spike to a return to pre-pandemic social behaviors combined with waning immunity and decreased vaccination rates. similar caseload increases have been observed in other U.S. states.
Infants at Greatest Risk
Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from pertussis, including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death. Babies are most likely to be infected by family members or caregivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant people receive a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably at least two weeks before the baby’s birth.
Declining Vaccination Rates Fuel concerns
A concerning trend is driving the current crisis: declining maternal Tdap vaccination rates. Data from the oregon Health Authority reveals that only 69% of pregnant people received the Tdap vaccine in 2024, down from 72% in 2020. Vaccination rates vary significantly across the state, ranging from a low of 17% to a high of 82% by county. The lowest rates are predominantly found in rural counties, where access to vaccinations may be limited and vaccine hesitancy is often higher.
“I worry people may not fully appreciate the risk pertussis poses as case counts are rising, especially for babies and older adults,” said howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “one of the most importent things someone can do to protect their newborn is to get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy.”
Addressing Vaccine Misconceptions
healthcare professionals are working to address common misconceptions surrounding the pertussis vaccine. Benton County Health Officer Carolina Amador, M.D., MPH, noted that the term “booster” can lead some to believe the vaccine is less effective. “When we use the word ‘booster,’ people may think the vaccine isn’t very effective because protection fades, so they may not want to bother,” she explained. “At the same time,we strongly recommend it for certain people,such as children and pregnant people,because in the short term it does a great job protecting the most vulnerable among us.”
Jennifer Gibbons, N.D., a naturopathic pediatrician in Portland, emphasizes the added layer of protection the vaccine provides to newborns. “I can say, ‘I’ve seen whooping cough, and it’s truly awful for infants,'” gibbons stated. “Then I’ll explain how the vaccine merely adds to the suite of protective antibodies that the mother is already providing the baby through the placenta.”
Understanding Pertussis Diagnosis and Spread
It’s important to note that pertussis can be tough to diagnose, as not all individuals exhibit the characteristic “whooping” sound during coughing. Some may experience mild symptoms and unknowingly spread the infection. The only way a baby can contract pertussis is through exposure to an infected individual.
Oregon Health Authority officials have made videos of Dr. Chiou discussing the outbreak available on their Media Resources page.
The ongoing outbreak underscores the critical importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable populations and preventing the spread of this potentially life-threatening disease. .
