Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has seen a significant spike in cases across New York and the United States in 2024, raising concerns among health officials, The Journal News reports.
As the respiratory virus season intensifies, the spread of pertussis has particularly impacted areas of upstate New York and Long Island. So far this year, nearly 1,500 cases have been reported in these regions, while New York City has recorded about 780 cases. In total, New York has reported 2,251 cases, ranking second nationally behind Pennsylvania, which has seen 2,589 cases.
The rise in pertussis cases is part of a broader national trend, with the US seeing nearly six times as many cases in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. By November 16, federal data showed approximately 25,200 cases of pertussis reported nationwide, a sharp increase from the 5,371 cases reported for all of 2023.
Health officials note that the decline in pertussis cases during and after the COVID-19 pandemic was partly due to infection-control measures such as masking and remote learning. However, the resurgence of pertussis in 2024 is bringing the nation back to pre-pandemic patterns, where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported annually. The outbreak this year has been particularly severe, with cases affecting not only young children but also teenagers and adults, who can both become infected and spread the disease.
Whooping cough tends to peak during the summer and fall months, although it can occur year-round. The bacteria responsible for pertussis, Bordetella pertussis, spreads easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Even individuals who are vaccinated or experiencing mild symptoms can unknowingly transmit the disease to others, making vaccination and caution critical.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious complications from pertussis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children complete the five-dose DTaP vaccine series, followed by an adolescent Tdap booster. Adults who have not received a Tdap vaccination should get a dose, followed by booster shots every 10 years. Pregnant individuals are advised to receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, to provide protection for their infant during the early months of life.
