Reported cases of whooping cough have skyrocketed in the United States, reaching over 32,000 this year, a near fivefold increase from last year. Health experts attribute the surge to declining vaccination rates and a loss of herd immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infants are most vulnerable to severe complications from whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Vaccination rates with the DTaP shot, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, dipped during the pandemic. Experts warn that some children who missed their vaccinations during that period may never have received them.
Updated: 31 minutes agoPhysician Sara Goza explains an infant's upcoming vaccinations to his mother at First Georgia Physician Group Pediatrics in Fayetteville, Georgia, on Aug. 17, 2021. Whooping cough is among the diseases targeted by childhood immunizations.
There are two types of pertussis vaccines in the United States. The DTaP for young children and the Tdap for teenagers and adults. Whooping cough is also known as the 100-day cough, and some people endure prolonged coughing spurts that can cause ribs to fracture. “Unless we really take public health measures, I worry starting with the next administration, we’ll see an uptake in the disease,” said Scott Roberts, an infectious-disease physician at Yale School of Medicine.
Pertussis is challenging to diagnose because early symptoms can resemble a common cold, meaning that many cases go unreported. Roberts said increased testing for the disease does not explain the significant rise in cases this year.
WHOOPING COUGH VACCINATIONS HEALTH IMMUNITY PANDEMIC
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.
Whooping cough cases surge 230% in San Antonio, Metro Health saysWith the winter season nearing and people gathering for the upcoming holidays, the spread of respiratory viruses in our community is expected to begin.
Read more »
Illinois Sees Surge in Whooping Cough Cases, Highest in 20 YearsIllinois is experiencing a significant increase in whooping cough cases, with October alone recording 408 cases, the highest monthly total in 20 years. This surge aligns with a national trend following a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. State health officials are urging residents to ensure their pertussis vaccinations are up to date and are working to identify and report cases promptly.
Read more »
Whooping Cough Cases Surge SixfoldThe Centers for Disease Control reports a dramatic increase in whooping cough cases, more than six times higher than last year. This highly contagious disease, also known as pertussis, causes persistent coughing fits and breathing difficulties. Infants are particularly vulnerable, as they may exhibit less noticeable symptoms. Early recognition and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to mitigate the severity of the illness. Basic hygiene practices like handwashing and covering coughs can help prevent its spread.
Read more »
Illinois Sees Surge in Whooping Cough CasesOctober saw the highest monthly total of whooping cough cases in 20 years with 408 cases reported in Illinois. This surge comes after a national drop in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. State health officials are urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date and are monitoring the situation closely.
Read more »
Whooping Cough Cases Surge to Decade High in the U.S.The United States is experiencing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, reaching the highest annual total in a decade. Experts attribute the increase to a combination of factors, including waning vaccine protection, lower vaccination rates, and improved testing.
Read more »
Whooping Cough Cases Surge to Decade High in USThe United States is experiencing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, reaching the highest annual total in a decade. Experts attribute the increase to a combination of factors, including a rebound from pandemic lows, waning vaccine protection, and improved testing.
Read more »