There is an explosion of whooping cough cases in North America

Cases of whooping cough, or Pertussis, are now a major public health problem in the USA and Canada.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of cases reported in the USA has quadrupled compared to the previous year.

The U.S. is experiencing more than four times as many whooping cough cases compared with last year — a spike that some experts attribute to post-pandemic vaccine fatigue. https://t.co/qPPns9xhNv

— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 20, 2024

Nearly 15,000 cases were reported in the USA this year, a dramatic increase on the 3,475 reported the previous year.

This increase in cases reflects both the trends towards a return of pertussis, as well as the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with declining levels of vaccination in particular.

Many children were unable to receive their usual vaccinations due to reduced medical consultations during the pandemic. At the same time, some parents became increasingly wary of vaccines.

In the United States, it’s most evident in New York, Pennsylvania and California. Pennsylvania alone has reported over 2,000 cases this year.

Canada is also facing difficulties, with over 12,000 cases reported in August, compared with the usual 1,000 to 3,000 infections per year. Provinces such as Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick are seeing a worrying increase in cases. Quebec alone recorded more than 6,000 cases this year, according to data published in August.

It’s important to remember that pertussis symptoms can mimic those of other common respiratory conditions, making early diagnosis more difficult and increasing the risk of transmission. As the disease progresses, people may experience a strong cough, often accompanied by a sound when out of breath, and this cough may persist for several months. More severe symptoms may require hospitalization.

The CDC and Health Canada recommend updating immunization records with DTaP for young children or Tdap for older children and adults.