Alameda County health officials sounded the alarm today that whooping cough, or pertussis, is still circulating locally and can cause severe illness in babies and young children. The county is urging residents to check that both childhood and adult pertussis vaccinations are current, with particular focus on pregnant people, caregivers and anyone living with infants. The reminder comes as local case counts remain higher than they have been in recent years.
Why infants are most at risk
Pertussis can be life-threatening for babies. Federal guidance notes that about one in three infants younger than 1 year who get pertussis need hospital care, and complications can include pneumonia, seizures and pauses in breathing. Newborns are too young to complete the full DTaP series, which is why the CDC recommends a Tdap dose during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, so protective antibodies can be passed to the baby. Early testing and treatment with antibiotics can help reduce the spread and the severity of the illness.
Local case counts and who is getting sick
Alameda County’s pertussis data show a clear jump in activity in 2024 and 2025, with cases peaking in November 2024 and a total of 186 cases reported in 2024, followed by 91 in 2025. The county also reports that about 44% of 2025 cases occurred in 14 to 18-year-olds, which means high school-aged teens have made up a large share of recent infections, according to the Alameda County Public Health Department.
Teens, schools and exposure notices
Local news coverage last fall documented clusters of pertussis among teens and reported that the county sent exposure notices to families at multiple schools as cases rose. Those reports also quoted county public information staff urging pregnant people to get Tdap to help shield newborns, according to KTVU.
Vaccination requirements and timing
California requires vaccines that include pertussis for kindergarten entry and again for students moving into seventh grade, and schools review immunization records when students enroll. The state recommends the standard DTaP schedule for young children and a Tdap booster for adolescents. Residents can look up nearby clinics and appointments through Vaccine Finder or review state guidance from the California Department of Public Health.
If you or your child are exposed
After a known exposure to pertussis, health guidance recommends talking with a clinician about post-exposure prophylaxis, since appropriate antibiotics started soon after exposure can prevent many people from getting sick. Anyone with a prolonged or severe cough is urged to get tested and treated quickly to reduce the spread, and providers can advise how long children or staff should stay home.
Alameda County maintains an online pertussis resource page with symptom lists, prevention tips and information on local clinics. Residents can review that guidance or call the public health line at (510) 267-8000 for help. More details are available from the Alameda County Public Health Department.
