Whooping Cough Cases Surge in U.S., Mirroring Global Rise
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A concerning resurgence of whooping cough is underway in the United States, with nearly 28,000 cases reported this year alone. This marks the second consecutive year the nation has exceeded 25,000 cases, a stark indicator of the growing risks associated with declining vaccination levels. The highly contagious respiratory infection poses a significant threat, particularly to infants and young children.
Mounting Cases and Hospitalizations
The recent spike in whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is causing alarm among public health officials. Approximately one-third of infants under 1 year of age who contract whooping cough require hospitalization due to the severity of the illness. Tragically, at least 13 deaths attributed to whooping cough have been reported in the U.S. in 2025, with the majority of fatalities occurring in children under 1.
Global Trend of Increasing Infections
The rise in whooping cough is not isolated to the United States. According to the Pan American Health Organization, the increase is a global phenomenon. Last year, the World Health Organization recorded 977,000 cases worldwide – a fivefold increase compared to 2023. This dramatic jump underscores the vulnerability of populations with waning immunity.
The Role of Vaccination
The escalating number of cases is directly linked to decreasing vaccination rates. Experts emphasize that maintaining high levels of community immunity through vaccination is crucial to protecting the most vulnerable members of society, especially infants too young to be fully vaccinated.
The situation demands immediate attention and renewed efforts to promote vaccination and prevent further spread of this dangerous disease.
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