Oregon has seen a record high number of cases of whooping cough this year, prompting concern about the risks posed to vulnerable populations.
Oregon has seen a record-high number of cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, this year, prompting concern about the risks posed to vulnerable populations. On December 10, the Oregon Health Authority recorded 1,475 reported annual cases of whooping cough, breaking the state’s record of 1,420 that was set in 1950.
While this year has topped the charts in terms of the number of cases, the outbreak began in the spring of 2024. Last year, 1,252 cases were reported. OHA told Newsweek: “We care a lot about the health of babies, and people forget pertussis can result in severe disease for babies. “If you’re going to be spending time around a baby, especially a newborn who isn’t old enough to receive their own pertussis vaccination, help protect that child by getting vaccinated with Tdap, and, if you’re pregnant, make sure you get that vaccine during your third trimester.” Why It Matters Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory illness, and while it may begin like a common cold, the coughing can last for weeks, or even months in some cases. The infection can result in paroxysms, known as coughing fits, which can make it difficult for a person to breathe, particularly for young children and older adults. These coughing fits can be so intense that they can result in vomiting, and even rib fractures. Vaccinations are known to be the best way to protect against whooping cough, but there has been a notable decline in the number of children getting the Tdap vaccine nationwide. Stock photo: A young boy rests in bed with a painful cough. What To Know OHA has urged residents in the state to ensure that they are vaccinated and that their family is too, especially those who are pregnant or spend time with babies. “I worry people may not fully appreciate the risk pertussis poses as case counts are rising, especially for babies and older adults,” Dr. Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division, said in a statement. Chiou said that one of the “most important things” someone can do to protect a newborn is to “get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy.” “Unfortunately, we’ve seen a statewide decline in maternal Tdap vaccination rates in Oregon, which is a dangerous trend,” Chiou added. When asked what could be contributing to the surge in cases, OHA told Newsweek: “One component is a return to pre-pandemic norms, as pertussis rates decreased with changes in behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The OHA added that pertussis can “come in waves every four or five years.” It also said that one key factor is that the pertussis vaccine was “changed in the 1980s to one that is just as effective but safer, with fewer side effects. Unfortunately, the duration of protection is shorter. All of these factors, combined with decreasing vaccination rates, are working together to cause the historic rise.” Vaccination rates among kindergartners has decreased nationally in recent years, not only in regard to the Tdap vaccine used to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, but also other vaccines as well, meaning other illnesses have also been on the rise. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a public health professor at Johns Hopkins University, told Newsweek that when cases surge, “it’s especially critical that pregnant individuals are vaccinated, so babies have antibodies from the time they are born.” He also said that vaccination is also important for those who have extended contact with infants, and that parents should be “alert to potential exposures for their young infants.” “Infant immunization is important, but the first dose is not given until 2 months of age and full protection takes past the first year to develop,” he said. “That’s why the key is for vaccination during pregnancy and vaccination of those around young infants.” Oregon is also not the only state to have experienced a major uptick in cases this year. Outbreaks have been reported in Texas, California, Florida and a number of others. “Cases of pertussis are surging nationally,” Sharfstein said. In 2024, whooping cough cases increased by six times compared to 2023, and cases in 2025 remained elevated, according to data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . What People Are Saying Pejman Rohani, a professor in ecology and infectious diseases at the University of Georgia, told Newsweek: “Immunization data indicate a declining trend in coverage and a sharp increase in non-medical exemptions. Another important idea here is the possibility that the COVID pandemic led to a drastic reduction in pertussis transmission and generated a surplus of individua...
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oregon Ducks Fans Color To Wear For Playoff Game In Autzen StadiumIn the first College Football Playoff game in Autzen Stadium history, the Oregon Ducks will host James Madison Dec. 20.
Read more »
REPORT: Oregon State Targeting Experienced Special Teams Coach Ricky BrumfieldReportedly, JaMarcus Shephard will link up with one of his old Western Kentucky connections: experienced special teams coach Ricky Brumfield. Learn more about Brumfield here.
Read more »
Oregon Ducks Ready to Take On College Football Playoff TravelOregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning spoke with the media after the College Football Playoff field was announced this past weekend. He touched on the potential for three cross-country trips in three weeks.
Read more »
LSU Football Staffer Emerges As Target To Become Oregon State's Defensive CoordinatorLane Kiffin and Co. continue tinkering the coaching staff, defensive assistant departs for Oregon State gig.
Read more »
The Three Ducks Freshmen Poised to Become Oregon’s Next StarsFreshmen continue to produce for the Oregon Ducks in the 2025 season, as the team prepares to host a College Football Playoff game at Autzen Stadium. Brandon Finney Jr., Dakorien Moore and Jordon Davison are among Dan Lanning's top weapons this season.
Read more »
Oregon's Dan Lanning Responds to Viral Insults from Penn State AD Pat KraftWhether he would like to admit it or not, Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning now has some extra fuel for his team the next time they face Penn State after some recent viral comments from Nittany Lions athletic director Pat Kraft.
Read more »