The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported a notable increase in whooping cough cases, reflecting a broader rise in the disease nationwide. In Texas, the number of pertussis cases has nearly tripled compared to last year, with a similar trend observed across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented a significant increase in cases, particularly with the start of the school year, showing a fivefold rise in 2024 compared to 2023, according to KHOU.
Pertussis, which often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold, can develop into severe coughing fits that may lead to vomiting and breathing difficulties. Texas health officials have highlighted the increased risk for infants, particularly those under one year old, who are more susceptible to serious complications from the disease. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has emphasized the importance of vaccination, encouraging adults, including pregnant women, to ensure they are up-to-date on their immunizations to help protect newborns. Reports show that pertussis cases have returned to levels seen before the pandemic, following a period of lower numbers during the COVID-19 health crisis.
The situation is mirrored on a national scale, with the CDC citing over 14,569 cases of pertussis so far this year, significantly more than previous years, including the pre-pandemic count. According to an interview with CBS News, Pennsylvania is dealing with widespread outbreaks, largely propagated by high school students, and New York's 40% increase outside of New York City is predominantly among teens aged 15 to 19.
Amidst these rising infections, the FDA is considering human challenge trials to hasten the development of new, more potent vaccines. These studies potentially involve intentional infection of vaccinated volunteers with the pertussis bacterium. Furthermore, Oklahoma has observed a significant surge with the highest number since 2017, "Since Jan. 1, 2024, there have been 162 cases of whooping cough in Oklahoma," Erica Rankin-Riley, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, told CBS News. The median age, strikingly enough, is 9 years old, but cases have been identified in individuals as old as 86 years old.
Federal health officials have highlighted the need for improved whooping cough vaccines, noting occurrences of breakthrough infections among older children and adults. While the existing acellular pertussis vaccines provide protection, there are concerns about their reduced effectiveness over time and the potential impact of mutations in circulating strains. However, these vaccines continue to be recognized for their public health benefits, FDA briefing documents ahead of an advisory meeting noted that "current rates of disease are very low relative to the rates reported during the pre-vaccine era," CBS News reported.
