The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is raising awareness about pertussis (whooping cough) following an increase in cases across the state, including an ongoing outbreak in Sheridan County, Gillette News Record reports.
Over the past few weeks, at least 10 cases have been reported in Sheridan County, with additional cases identified in Campbell, Johnson, and Lincoln counties. In total, 18 cases have been confirmed statewide in the first two months of 2025.
“That brings us to 18 reported cases so far this year, and we’re only in the year’s second month,” said Clay Van Houten, infectious disease epidemiology unit manager at WDH.
The increase follows a rise in pertussis activity in 2024, when 19 cases were confirmed statewide. By comparison, there were no reported cases in 2023 and just two in 2022. However, Van Houten noted that actual case numbers are likely higher, as many cases go unrecognized or unreported.
Health officials are particularly concerned about the impact of pertussis on infants, as the disease can be severe or even life-threatening for young children. More than half of infants under one year of age who contract the disease require hospitalization.
Pertussis typically starts with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough, which can persist and worsen after one to two weeks. In children, the coughing can become violent and rapid, often producing the characteristic “whooping” sound.
To help protect infants, WDH recommends the Tdap vaccine for adolescents and adults, particularly those who are in close contact with newborns—including parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
For more information about pertussis, visit tinyurl.com/wdh-pertussis.
