Health experts in the U.S. are warning people to stay alert as whooping cough cases rise sharply this year. According to a report by the Associated Press, more than 8,485 cases have already been reported in 2025. This is double the number of cases compared to the same time last year. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious illness that mostly affects babies and young children. In the past six months, two babies in Louisiana and a 5-year-old child in Washington state have died because of it.

The illness spreads easily from person to person through coughs and sneezes. It causes severe coughing fits and a “whooping” sound when the person tries to breathe in.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, whooping cough cases went down because people were wearing masks and keeping distance from one another. But now, with things back to normal, the number of cases is rising again. Experts say this happens every two to five years, so the increase in 2025 was expected.

However, there is concern that fewer people are getting vaccinated. Last year, fewer kindergarten children got their routine vaccines, and vaccine exemptions reached a record high. This could be one reason why more people are getting sick.

Babies are at the highest risk, especially before they get their first vaccine dose at 2 months old. That’s why doctors suggest pregnant women take the vaccine in the third trimester. This helps protect the baby until they can get their own shots. But many pregnant women are still not getting vaccinated, which is a concern for doctors.

Some states are reporting more cases than others. Pennsylvania has already had 207 cases this year. Michigan has reported 516 cases, most of them in children between 5 and 17 years old. In 2024, Michigan had over 2,000 cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that all babies and young children should get vaccinated. Teenagers and adults who haven’t been vaccinated should get the booster shot too. Pregnant women are also advised to get the vaccine during every pregnancy.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:

Whooping cough often starts with mild symptoms, which can look like a cold. These early symptoms include:

After a week or two, more serious symptoms may appear:

Doctors say early treatment is very important. If you or your child show these symptoms, especially if there's a risk of spreading it to babies, see a doctor right away. Antibiotics can help if taken early.

Health officials are urging everyone to check their vaccination records and talk to their doctors. Staying up to date with vaccines is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from whooping cough.

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