The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a concerning spike in whooping cough (pertussis) cases, with current numbers nearing historic highs. As of December 2023, the nation is witnessing a troubling increase in pertussis incidents, igniting alarm among health officials. In New Hampshire, there have been 328 confirmed cases of whooping cough this year, a significant rise from previous years that had record low counts. Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire’s State Epidemiologist, remarked, “This significant increase is concerning. We see that vaccination rates have dropped, which is likely contributing to the rise in cases.” Similar patterns are observed in Wisconsin, which has recorded 541 cases—a notable increase from 2019 when there were only 34 cases reported. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to curb this outbreak. State health leaders recommend vaccination, particularly for those who are pregnant, to protect newborns who are at the highest risk for severe illness. As the nation approaches the new year, public health authorities are calling for increased awareness and vaccination efforts to combat this resurgence of whooping cough.
Whooping Cough Cases Reach Near Record Numbers Across the United States
