Recent reports from the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) indicate a notable increase in cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, across the state, with an outbreak currently underway in Sheridan County.
In just the past few weeks, at least 10 cases have been confirmed in Sheridan County, with additional cases reported in Campbell, Johnson, and Lincoln counties. As of early February, 18 cases have been reported statewide, a concerning rise considering that it is only the second month of the year.
This surge in pertussis activity follows a trend observed in 2024, when the state saw a significant uptick with 19 confirmed cases, compared to no reported cases in 2023 and just two in 2022. Health officials caution that the actual number of cases could be higher, as some individuals may not recognize or report symptoms of pertussis.
“Any increase in pertussis activity is something we watch with concern, especially because of the risks it poses to infants,” said Clay Van Houten, manager of the infectious disease epidemiology unit at WDH.
While no hospitalizations for pertussis have been reported in Wyoming babies so far this year, there is a heightened awareness due to the severe impact the disease can have on young children, particularly those under one year of age. More than half of infants with pertussis require hospitalization, and in some cases, the illness can be fatal.
To prevent further spread, health officials are urging residents to stay up to date on their pertussis vaccinations, including the Tdap booster for adults and adolescents. This vaccine is especially important for those who frequently interact with infants, such as parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
“If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to discuss the Tdap vaccine with your doctor,” said Van Houten.
He emphasized that it can help protect vulnerable infants who are too young to receive the full vaccine themselves.
Pertussis typically starts with mild cold-like symptoms, followed by a persistent, severe cough that can last for weeks. In infants and young children, the cough may be accompanied by a “whooping” sound, hence the disease’s common name, “whooping cough.”
The recent increase in cases in Wyoming comes amid a broader uptick in pertussis nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a rise in whooping cough cases across the US, with several states seeing particularly high numbers of infections. While Wyoming has not yet experienced any infant deaths from pertussis this year, health officials remain vigilant, recalling that other states have suffered large outbreaks in recent decades, including fatal cases among young children.
To help curb the spread, WDH continues to advise that individuals of all ages maintain up-to-date vaccinations and remain alert to the early symptoms of pertussis. More information on the disease, including vaccination schedules and preventative measures, can be found on the Wyoming Department of Health website.
With input from Wyoming Department of Health, CBS News, the Daily Mail, and Oil City News.
