What's happened
Preliminary data from the CDC shows 8,485 whooping cough cases in 2025, doubling last year's figures. Experts attribute the rise to decreased vaccination rates and changing attitudes towards vaccines, particularly among kindergarteners. The illness poses significant risks, especially to infants, with recent fatalities reported in Louisiana and Washington state.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Vaccination Rates: The decline in U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates has reached alarming levels, with exemptions at an all-time high. This trend threatens herd immunity, crucial for protecting vulnerable populations.
- Public Sentiment: Increasing anti-vaccine sentiment is evident, as noted by Dr. Ericka Hayes from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The slow recovery in vaccination rates is concerning, especially as the CDC recommends maintaining at least 95% coverage to ensure herd immunity.
- Regional Variations: States like Pennsylvania and Michigan are experiencing significant outbreaks, particularly in urban areas and schools. In Pennsylvania, 94.6% of kindergarteners are vaccinated, yet localized outbreaks persist, indicating pockets of vulnerability.
- Health Risks: Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for infants, who are at risk before receiving their first vaccinations. The CDC recommends that pregnant women receive the pertussis vaccine to protect newborns, but uptake remains insufficient.
- Future Outlook: Without a concerted effort to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates, the U.S. may face more frequent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, impacting public health significantly.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, the CDC reported 8,485 whooping cough cases in 2025, which is double the number from the previous year. Experts attribute this surge to relaxed COVID-19 measures and a cyclical nature of the disease. Dr. Ericka Hayes emphasized the growing anti-vaccine sentiment, stating, "Our recovery is not nearly as quick as we expected it to be."
The Independent echoed these concerns, highlighting that vaccination rates among kindergarteners have fallen, with exemptions reaching record highs. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian from Michigan noted that some schools have vaccination rates as low as 30%, creating vulnerable communities. This indicates a pressing need for public health initiatives to combat misinformation and promote vaccination.
How we got here
Whooping cough, or pertussis, typically peaks every two to five years. The decline in cases during COVID-19 due to masking and social distancing has led to a resurgence as restrictions eased. Vaccination rates among U.S. kindergarteners fell last year, contributing to the current outbreak.
Go deeper
- What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
- How can I protect my child from whooping cough?
- What are health officials doing to address vaccine hesitancy?
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