Whooping Cough Vaccination in US 2025
The landscape of whooping cough vaccination in the United States during 2025 reveals a concerning public health challenge that demands immediate attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities nationwide. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has experienced a dramatic resurgence across the country, with reported cases reaching levels not seen in over a decade. This vaccine-preventable respiratory illness, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, poses the greatest danger to infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated, making maternal and childhood vaccination efforts more critical than ever before.
Throughout 2025, the United States has witnessed vaccination coverage rates declining across multiple age groups, creating dangerous immunity gaps that allow whooping cough to spread more easily through communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data demonstrates that vaccination rates among kindergartners have fallen below optimal thresholds, with DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) coverage dropping to historically low levels. Meanwhile, adult vaccination rates remain woefully inadequate, with fewer than 40% of adults maintaining up-to-date protection against pertussis. This combination of declining childhood immunization rates and poor adult coverage has created the perfect storm for whooping cough outbreaks to flourish, particularly endangering the most vulnerable populations including newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Key Facts About Whooping Cough Vaccination in the US 2025
| Vaccination Metric | 2025 Statistics | Previous Year Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten DTaP Coverage Rate | 92.1% | 92.3% (2023-24) |
| Adolescent Tdap Coverage (Ages 13-17) | 91.3% | 89.0% (2023) |
| Pregnant Women Tdap Vaccination Rate | 59.6% | Approximately 60% (stable) |
| Adult Tdap Vaccination (Ages 18+) | 39.1% | 39.1% (2022, most recent data) |
| Reported Whooping Cough Cases | 26,632 (as of Dec 6) | 35,400 (full year 2024) |
| States with DTaP Coverage Below 90% | 16 states | 3 states (2019-20) |
| Non-Medical Vaccination Exemptions | 3.4% (all-time high) | 3.3% (2023-24) |
| Unvaccinated Kindergartners (MMR) | 286,000 children | Approximately 250,000 (2023-24) |
Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Immunization Survey-Teen 2024, SchoolVaxView 2024-2025, National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, December 2025
The statistics presented in this table reveal critical trends affecting whooping cough vaccination coverage across the United States in 2025. The kindergarten DTaP coverage rate of 92.1% represents a continuation of the declining trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, falling well short of the 95% threshold required to maintain community immunity against pertussis. This 2.9 percentage point drop from pre-pandemic levels translates to tens of thousands of children entering school without complete protection against whooping cough. The situation becomes even more alarming when examining state-level disparities, with 16 states now reporting coverage rates below 90%, compared to only 3 states in the 2019-2020 school year.
Adolescent vaccination coverage shows a more positive trend, with 91.3% of teens aged 13-17 years having received at least one dose of Tdap vaccine in 2024, representing a 2.3 percentage point increase from the previous year. However, this improvement among adolescents has not translated into better protection for infants, who remain the most vulnerable to severe complications from whooping cough. The stagnant 59.6% vaccination rate among pregnant women represents a missed opportunity to protect newborns during their most vulnerable first months of life, as maternal antibodies transferred during pregnancy provide crucial protection until infants can begin their own vaccination series at 2 months of age. Adult vaccination rates remain particularly problematic, with only 39.1% of adults aged 18 and older having received a pertussis-containing vaccine within the past 10 years, leaving the majority of the adult population susceptible to infection and capable of transmitting the disease to vulnerable infants.
Whooping Cough Cases and Disease Burden in the US 2025
| Disease Metric | 2025 Data | Comparison Period |
|---|---|---|
| Total Reported Cases (as of Dec 6) | 26,632 cases | 35,400 cases (full year 2024) |
| Cases in First Quarter 2025 | 6,600 cases | 1,650 cases (Q1 2024) |
| Peak Year for Comparison | 2014 (highest since) | Over 30,000 cases |
| Oregon Cases 2025 | 1,475 cases | 1,420 cases (record set in 1950) |
| Texas Cases by October 2025 | 3,500+ cases | 1,928 cases (full year 2024) |
| Washington State Cases (through Nov) | 2,000+ cases | Significantly lower in previous years |
| Rate per 100,000 in Oregon | 33+ per 100,000 | Highest in nation |
| Infant Deaths Reported 2025 | Multiple deaths (KY, LA, TX) | First deaths since 2018 in some states |
Data Source: CDC National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, State Health Departments (Oregon, Texas, Washington, Kentucky, Louisiana), December 2025
The whooping cough disease burden in the United States during 2025 has reached alarming proportions, with 26,632 confirmed cases reported as of December 6th, marking the highest annual case count in over a decade. The velocity of disease spread becomes evident when examining quarterly data, as the 6,600 cases reported in just the first three months of 2025 represented a fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a staggering 25-fold increase over the first quarter of 2023. This explosive growth in case numbers indicates that whooping cough has firmly re-established endemic circulation patterns across the United States, with several states experiencing their worst outbreaks in decades.
State-level data reveals dramatic geographic variation in disease burden, with Western states bearing a disproportionate share of cases. Oregon surpassed its previous record of 1,420 cases set in 1950, reporting 1,475 cases in 2025 and achieving the nation’s highest per-capita rate at over 33 cases per 100,000 population. Texas experienced similarly explosive growth, more than doubling its 2024 case count by reaching 3,500+ cases by October 2025 alone. Washington State reported over 2,000 cases through November, while states including Idaho and Montana also reported rates exceeding 28 cases per 100,000 population. The tragic human cost of these outbreaks manifests in multiple infant deaths reported across Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas, representing the first whooping cough fatalities in some of these states since 2018 and underscoring the life-threatening nature of this vaccine-preventable disease for the youngest and most vulnerable members of our communities.
Kindergarten DTaP Vaccination Coverage in the US 2024-2025
| Coverage Metric | 2024-2025 Data | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| National DTaP Coverage | 92.1% | Declined from 92.3% (2023-24) |
| Pre-Pandemic Coverage (2019-20) | 95.0% | Lost 2.9 percentage points |
| Lowest State Coverage (Idaho) | 78.3% | Below 80% threshold |
| Highest State Coverage (Connecticut, Virginia) | 98.2% | Above 95% target |
| States Below 95% Coverage | 39 states | Increased from 28 states (2019-20) |
| States Below 90% Coverage | 16 states | Increased from 3 states (2019-20) |
| Children with Exemptions | 138,000 children | All-time high |
| DTaP Doses Required | 5 doses | At 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, 4-6 years |
Data Source: CDC SchoolVaxView, Vaccination Coverage and Exemptions Among Kindergartners 2024-2025 School Year, August 2025
Kindergarten DTaP vaccination coverage in the 2024-2025 school year demonstrates a troubling continuation of the post-pandemic decline in childhood immunization rates across the United States. The national coverage rate of 92.1% falls 2.9 percentage points below the pre-pandemic benchmark of 95.0% and represents a further decline from the previous year’s 92.3% coverage. This seemingly modest percentage decrease translates into substantial real-world impact, leaving tens of thousands of kindergarten-aged children vulnerable to whooping cough infection as they enter school environments where close contact facilitates disease transmission. The 95% coverage threshold is not arbitrary—it represents the critical immunity level required to maintain herd protection and prevent community outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like pertussis.
Geographic disparities in coverage reveal a concerning patchwork of protection across the nation, with states ranging from exemplary to dangerously inadequate immunization rates. Idaho recorded the lowest state coverage at just 78.3%, meaning more than 1 in 5 kindergartners in that state lack complete DTaP protection. Conversely, Connecticut and Virginia both achieved 98.2% coverage, demonstrating that high vaccination rates remain achievable with proper public health infrastructure and parental engagement. The number of states falling below the 95% coverage target has increased dramatically from 28 states during the 2019-2020 school year to 39 states in 2024-2025, while states with coverage below 90% surged from just 3 states to 16 states over the same period. This geographic fragmentation of immunity creates high-risk pockets where whooping cough outbreaks can take hold and spread rapidly, particularly affecting children who cannot be vaccinated due to legitimate medical contraindications and infants too young to have completed their vaccination series.
Adolescent Tdap Vaccination Coverage in the US 2024
| Adolescent Vaccination Metric | 2024 Statistics | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Teens with ≥1 Tdap Dose (Ages 13-17) | 91.3% | Increased from 89.0% (2023) |
| States with ≥90% Tdap Coverage | 39 states | Widespread coverage |
| Recommended Tdap Booster Age | 11-12 years | Single dose |
| Tdap Catch-Up for Ages 13-18 | Available | For those who missed dose |
| Survey Sample Size | 16,325 adolescents | National representative sample |
| Household Response Rate | 21.0% | 2024 NIS-Teen survey |
| Adequate Provider Data | 42.8% | From vaccination providers |
| Years Since Prior Peak | 2019 | 90.2% coverage |
Data Source: CDC National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) 2024, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 2025
Adolescent Tdap vaccination coverage in 2024 represents one of the few bright spots in the whooping cough vaccination landscape, with 91.3% of teenagers aged 13-17 years having received at least one dose of the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine. This 2.3 percentage point increase from the 89.0% coverage rate in 2023 demonstrates successful public health messaging and school-based vaccination programs that have maintained strong adolescent immunization despite broader challenges in childhood vaccination. The Tdap booster dose is routinely recommended at ages 11-12 years, with catch-up vaccination available for adolescents aged 13-18 years who missed their scheduled dose. This vaccine provides crucial protection during the teenage years when waning immunity from childhood DTaP vaccinations leaves adolescents susceptible to pertussis infection.
The geographic distribution of adolescent Tdap coverage shows remarkable consistency compared to the stark disparities observed in kindergarten vaccination rates, with 39 states achieving coverage of 90% or higher. This widespread success likely reflects the effectiveness of school vaccination requirements, adolescent well-visit guidelines, and targeted public health campaigns aimed at this age group. The National Immunization Survey-Teen data, based on a nationally representative sample of 16,325 adolescents, provides robust estimates of vaccination coverage despite methodological challenges including a 21.0% household response rate and receipt of adequate provider data for 42.8% of surveyed adolescents. While the 2024 coverage rate of 91.3% approaches the peak coverage of 90.2% recorded in 2019, it remains slightly below optimal levels, and public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of on-time vaccination at ages 11-12 to provide maximum protection during the critical adolescent years when social interactions and activities increase disease transmission risks.
Pregnant Women Tdap Vaccination Rates in the US 2025
| Maternal Vaccination Metric | Current Rate | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy | 59.6% | Below optimal coverage |
| Recommended Vaccination Window | 27-36 weeks gestation | Preferably earlier in period |
| Protection Against Infant Pertussis | 78% reduction | In babies <2 months |
| Hospitalization Protection | 91% effective | Preventing infant hospitalizations |
| Maternal Antibody Transfer Time | 2 weeks | Peak antibody levels |
| Likelihood to Recommend (Adults) | 46% | Would recommend to pregnant women |
| Commercial Insurance Coverage 2017 | 56.3% | Private/military insurance |
| Medicaid Coverage 2017 | 31.4% | Public insurance |
Data Source: CDC Vaccinating Pregnant Patients Guidelines, NIS-FRVM Survey, AdultVaxView, December 2025
Pregnant women Tdap vaccination remains a critical but underutilized strategy for protecting newborns from whooping cough during their most vulnerable first months of life, with current coverage rates of 59.6% falling well short of the protection needed to prevent infant pertussis cases. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women receive a dose of Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably during the early part of weeks 27 through 36 of gestation, to maximize the transfer of protective antibodies to the developing fetus. This maternal vaccination strategy has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, reducing the risk of pertussis in babies younger than 2 months by 78% and proving 91% effective at preventing hospitalizations among infected infants. These statistics underscore the life-saving potential of maternal immunization, as infants cannot begin their own DTaP vaccination series until reaching 2 months of age, leaving a critical window of vulnerability.
Despite strong scientific evidence and professional medical society endorsements, maternal Tdap vaccination rates remain stubbornly stagnant at approximately 60% nationwide, with concerning disparities based on insurance coverage and socioeconomic factors. Data from 2017 revealed that 56.3% of pregnant women with commercial or military insurance received Tdap during pregnancy, compared to only 31.4% of women covered by Medicaid. Public awareness and acceptance also present challenges, with survey data showing that less than half (46%) of Americans would be likely to recommend Tdap vaccination to someone who is pregnant, despite the clear benefits for newborn protection. The 2-week timeframe required for maternal antibodies to reach peak levels and transfer to the fetus makes early third-trimester vaccination essential, yet many pregnant women do not receive the vaccine until delivery or postpartum, when it provides no protective benefit to the newborn. Healthcare provider recommendations remain the strongest predictor of maternal vaccination, highlighting the critical role that obstetricians, midwives, and prenatal care providers play in protecting the next generation from vaccine-preventable whooping cough.
Adult Tdap Vaccination Coverage in the US 2025
| Adult Vaccination Metric | Coverage Rate | Demographic Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adults 18+ with Tdap (Past 10 Years) | 39.1% | Data from 2022 |
| National Td/Tdap Coverage 2013 | 57.5% (Td), 28.9% (Tdap) | Older baseline data |
| Recommended Booster Frequency | Every 10 years | Td or Tdap |
| State Range (Tdap Coverage) | 17.7% to 47.6% | Mississippi (lowest) to Minnesota (highest) |
| Adults Never Received Tdap | Majority | Should receive single dose |
| Female Parents vs Non-Parents | Higher coverage | Parents more likely vaccinated |
| Healthcare Workers Tdap Coverage | Variable | Depends on workplace requirements |
| Waning Immunity Timeline | 5-10 years | After last pertussis vaccination |
Data Source: CDC AdultVaxView, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2013-2022, FastStats Whooping Cough, July 2025
Adult Tdap vaccination coverage in the United States represents one of the most significant gaps in whooping cough prevention efforts, with only 39.1% of adults aged 18 years and older having received a pertussis-containing vaccine within the past 10 years according to the most recent CDC data from 2022. This alarmingly low coverage rate means that approximately 60% of American adults lack adequate protection against pertussis and can serve as vectors for transmitting the disease to vulnerable infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all adults receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine if they have never previously received one, followed by Td or Tdap booster doses every 10 years thereafter to maintain protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Geographic and demographic disparities in adult vaccination coverage create a complex landscape of protection and vulnerability across the nation. Historical data from 2013 revealed state-level Tdap coverage ranging from a low of 17.7% in Mississippi to a high of 47.6% in Minnesota, demonstrating that even the best-performing states achieve coverage in less than half of their adult populations. Parental status significantly influences vaccination likelihood, with adults who have children under 18 years of age showing substantially higher Tdap coverage compared to non-parents, likely driven by healthcare provider counseling during pediatric well-visits and increased awareness of infant pertussis risks. The phenomenon of waning immunity compounds the challenge of adult vaccination, as protection from pertussis vaccination decreases significantly 5-10 years after the last dose, leaving even previously vaccinated adults susceptible to infection. This combination of low initial vaccination rates and declining immunity over time creates a large adult reservoir of susceptible individuals who, while often experiencing only mild or moderate illness themselves, can unknowingly spread whooping cough to others, perpetuating community transmission and endangering those who cannot protect themselves through vaccination.
State-Level Vaccination Coverage Variations in the US 2025
| State Coverage Category | DTaP Range | Example States |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Coverage States | 95%+ | Connecticut (98.2%), Virginia (98.2%) |
| Above National Average | 92.1%-94.9% | Multiple states meeting target |
| Below National Average | 85%-92% | Majority of states |
| Lowest Coverage States | Below 85% | Idaho (78.3%), multiple Western states |
| States Below 95% Target | 39 states total | Increased from 28 (2019-20) |
| States Below 90% Coverage | 16 states | Increased from 3 (2019-20) |
| Regional Patterns | Western states | Generally lower coverage |
| Exemption Rate Leaders | >10% exemptions | Idaho (15%), several states >5% |
Data Source: CDC SchoolVaxView State-Level Data 2024-2025, National Immunization Survey State Estimates, September 2025
State-level vaccination coverage variations across the United States in 2025 reveal a fragmented and inequitable landscape of protection against whooping cough, with dramatic differences between highest and lowest-performing states creating dangerous pockets of vulnerability. At the top of the coverage spectrum, Connecticut and Virginia both achieved exemplary DTaP vaccination rates of 98.2% among kindergartners, demonstrating that near-universal childhood immunization remains achievable through strong state vaccination policies, robust school entry requirements, limited exemption allowances, and effective public health infrastructure. These high-performing states approach the critical 95% coverage threshold required to maintain community immunity and prevent widespread pertussis outbreaks, protecting not only vaccinated children but also those who cannot receive vaccines due to legitimate medical contraindications.
Conversely, the lowest-performing states fall dangerously short of protective coverage levels, with Idaho recording the nation’s lowest kindergarten DTaP rate at just 78.3%, meaning more than one in five children entering school lack complete pertussis protection. This 20-percentage-point gap between Idaho and the top-performing states represents tens of thousands of vulnerable children and creates conditions ripe for significant disease outbreaks. Western states generally demonstrate lower vaccination coverage compared to their Eastern counterparts, with Oregon, Idaho, and Montana all reporting high pertussis case rates alongside suboptimal immunization levels in 2025. The proliferation of states falling below the 95% coverage target—increasing from 28 states pre-pandemic to 39 states in 2024-2025—indicates a nationwide erosion of vaccination norms that transcends regional boundaries. Non-medical exemption rates directly correlate with lower coverage, as Idaho leads the nation with 15% of kindergartners holding exemptions from at least one vaccine, while Connecticut, which eliminated religious exemptions in 2021, maintains near-universal vaccination with just 0.1% non-medical exemptions. These stark state-level variations in both coverage and exemption policies demonstrate that whooping cough vaccination rates are heavily influenced by state legislative frameworks, school entry requirements, exemption accessibility, and local public health capacity, creating a patchwork system that leaves some communities far more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks than others.
Vaccination Exemption Trends in the US 2024-2025
| Exemption Metric | 2024-2025 Data | Trend Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Total Exemption Rate | 3.6% | Increased from 3.3% (2023-24) |
| All-Time High Status | Yes | Record exemption levels |
| Non-Medical Exemptions | 3.4% | Highest ever recorded |
| Medical Exemptions | 0.2% | Stable, unchanged |
| Children with Exemptions | 138,000 students | Kindergarten level |
| States with >5% Exemptions | 17 states | Increased from 14 (2023-24) |
| Idaho Exemption Rate | 15% | Highest in nation |
| Connecticut Exemption Rate | 0.1% | Lowest, no religious exemptions |
Data Source: CDC SchoolVaxView Exemptions Data 2024-2025, State Immunization Information Systems, August 2025
Vaccination exemption trends in the 2024-2025 school year have reached unprecedented levels, with 3.6% of kindergartners now exempt from one or more vaccines, representing an all-time high in the history of modern vaccination tracking. This 0.3 percentage point increase from the previous year’s 3.3% exemption rate may appear modest, but it represents approximately 138,000 children entering school without complete vaccine protection, creating expanding pockets of vulnerability within communities across the nation. Non-medical exemptions, which include religious and philosophical objections to vaccination, account for the vast majority of exemptions at 3.4% nationwide, while medical exemptions remain stable at 0.2% of the kindergarten population. The surge in non-medical exemptions reflects broader societal trends including increased vaccine hesitancy, proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms, and in some states, deliberate policy changes that make obtaining exemptions easier for parents.
State-level exemption policies create dramatic variation in community immunity levels, with consequences that extend far beyond individual families who choose not to vaccinate. Idaho leads the nation with a staggering 15% exemption rate, meaning 3 in 20 kindergartners attend school unvaccinated, well above the threshold that allows diseases like whooping cough to circulate freely. Seventeen states now report exemption rates exceeding 5%, an increase from 14 states in the 2023-2024 school year, indicating that high-exemption communities are becoming more common nationwide. The geographic clustering of exemptions creates high-risk areas where outbreaks are more likely to occur and spread rapidly, as demonstrated by the elevated whooping cough case rates in states like Oregon, Idaho, and Washington during 2025. Conversely, Connecticut maintains the nation’s lowest exemption rate at just 0.1% following its 2021 elimination of religious exemptions, demonstrating that restrictive exemption policies effectively maintain high vaccination coverage. The all-time high exemption rates observed in 2024-2025 represent a significant public health concern that threatens decades of progress in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases, requiring renewed efforts from healthcare providers, schools, and public health officials to communicate vaccine benefits, address parental concerns through evidence-based education, and ensure that exemption processes balance parental autonomy with community protection from dangerous and preventable infectious diseases like whooping cough.
DTaP Vaccination Schedule and Requirements in the US 2025
| Vaccination Schedule Component | Timing | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| First DTaP Dose | 2 months | Minimum age 6 weeks |
| Second DTaP Dose | 4 months | 4-week interval from dose 1 |
| Third DTaP Dose | 6 months | 4-week interval from dose 2 |
| Fourth DTaP Dose | 15-18 months | 6-month interval from dose 3 |
| Fifth DTaP Dose | 4-6 years | Before kindergarten entry |
| Total Doses Required | 5 doses | Complete series by age 6-7 |
| Catch-Up Vaccination Available | Yes | For those behind schedule |
| Coverage by Age 19-35 Months | >95% | At least 3 doses |
Data Source: CDC Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule 2025, DTaP Vaccine Recommendations, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, December 2025
The DTaP vaccination schedule in the United States follows a carefully designed five-dose series that provides optimal protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) throughout childhood. The vaccination series begins at 2 months of age, with subsequent doses administered at 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and finally at 4-6 years before kindergarten entry. This schedule is not arbitrary—it is based on extensive immunological research demonstrating when children’s immune systems can mount effective responses to the vaccine and when booster doses are needed to maintain protection as immunity wanes over time. The minimum age for the first DTaP dose is 6 weeks, allowing for early vaccination of premature infants or those at high risk of pertussis exposure, though routine immunization typically begins at the 2-month well-child visit.
Timing intervals between doses are critical for building robust immunity while ensuring safety and effectiveness. The second and third doses should be administered at least 4 weeks after the previous dose, while the fourth dose requires a longer 6-month interval from the third dose to allow the immune system adequate time to develop mature responses. The fifth and final dose of the childhood series, administered between ages 4-6 years, provides essential protection as children enter school environments where close contact with peers facilitates disease transmission. Importantly, the fifth dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after the third dose, providing flexibility for children who may have fallen behind schedule. CDC data indicates that over 95% of children aged 19-35 months have received at least 3 doses of DTaP, demonstrating generally high coverage during infancy, though completion rates for all five doses decline as children age. Catch-up vaccination schedules are available for children who start late or miss doses, ensuring that even those behind schedule can achieve full protection against whooping cough and other vaccine-preventable diseases, with healthcare providers using specialized algorithms to determine appropriate intervals and dosing for late vaccinations.
Whooping Cough Disease Characteristics and Risks in the US 2025
| Disease Characteristic | Description | At-Risk Groups |
|---|---|---|
| Causative Organism | Bordetella pertussis | Bacterial infection |
| Transmission Method | Respiratory droplets | Coughing, sneezing, breathing |
| Incubation Period | 7-10 days | Range 5-21 days |
| Duration of Illness | 6-10 weeks | “Hundred day cough” |
| Characteristic Symptom | “Whoop” sound | Gasping for air after cough |
| Highest Risk Group | Infants <1 year | Especially <2 months |
| Infant Complication Rate | High | Pneumonia, seizures, death |
| Adult Symptoms | Persistent cough | Often milder presentation |
Data Source: CDC Pertussis Clinical Information, Whooping Cough Disease Characteristics, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, December 2025
Whooping cough, clinically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis that continues to pose significant health threats in the United States during 2025 despite being a vaccine-preventable disease. The illness spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes near others, making it particularly transmissible in households, schools, and healthcare settings. The disease typically progresses through three distinct stages: the initial catarrhal stage resembling a common cold with mild cough and runny nose lasting 1-2 weeks; the paroxysmal stage characterized by severe, uncontrollable coughing fits followed by the distinctive “whoop” sound as patients gasp for air, lasting 2-6 weeks; and finally the convalescent stage with gradual recovery that can extend for weeks to months. The total duration of illness often spans 6-10 weeks, earning pertussis its historical nickname as the “hundred day cough.”
The severity and complications of whooping cough vary dramatically by age, with infants bearing the greatest disease burden and highest mortality risk. Babies younger than 12 months, particularly those under 2 months who are too young to have received any protective vaccinations, face the highest risk of severe complications including pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy (brain damage), and death. During 2025, multiple infant deaths from pertussis were reported across Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas, tragically demonstrating that whooping cough remains a life-threatening illness in modern America. Hospitalization rates among infected infants are substantial, with many requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation support. In older children, adolescents, and adults, pertussis typically presents as a persistent, severe cough that disrupts sleep, work, and daily activities, though life-threatening complications are less common. However, even in these age groups, violent coughing fits can lead to rib fractures, collapsed lungs, severe weight loss, loss of bladder control, and extended absences from school or work.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
