Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection known for severe coughing fits and a distinctive "whoop" sound.
A spike in cases of pertussis -- or whooping cough -- has kept scores of New Yorkers hacking recently as health officials closely monitor trends as this respiratory virus season intensifies.
The spread of pertussis, also known as 100-day cough, has hit parts of upstate New York and Long Island especially hard in 2024, as counties outside New York City accounted for nearly 1,500 reported cases so far this year. By contrast, New York City has reported about 780 cases.
Taken together, New York's statewide total of pertussis cases (2,251) ranks second-highest nationally, just behind Pennsylvania (2,589).
Early 2024 data show that nearly six times as many cases have been reported nationally as of Nov. 16 compared to the same time frame in 2023, federal data show.
Whooping cough historically spreads most prevalently among young children around age 5, with unvaccinated New Yorkers facing the most severe symptoms, health officials said.
Why is pertussis, whopping cough spiking?
Reports of pertussis cases dipped lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials noted, attributing the decline, in part, to the impact of widespread use of infection-control measures, such as masking and remote learning.
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But the nation has now seen a return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 pertussis cases are typically reported each year. This year's outbreak has proven especially nasty, with nearly 25,200 cases reported nationally so far. By contrast, a total of 5,371 cases were reported for all of 2023.
When is pertussis, whooping cough season?
Although whooping cough infections can occur throughout the year, be particularly cautious during the summer and fall months when pertussis cases tend to peak, the American Lung Association noted.
How does whooping cough spread?
While babies and young children are among the most affected, teenagers and adults are also at risk of becoming infected and spreading whooping cough, the lung group says.
The bacteria that cause whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis, is spread easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Even if you have been vaccinated or are experiencing mild symptoms, you can spread whooping cough to others.
When to get whooping cough vaccination
Vaccination is the most important way to prevent serious complications of pertussis, New York City health officials noted during a Feb. 15 update on the outbreak.
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Children should complete the routine five-dose DTaP vaccine series along with an adolescent Tdap booster. Adults who have not received Tdap should get one dose of Tdap, followed thereafter by a Td or Tdap booster shot every 10 years.
Pregnant people should receive Tdap during every pregnancy, ideally between 27-36 weeks gestation to maximize passive antibody transfer from mother to infant to provide protection during the infant's first two months of life.