A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows a sharp rise in whooping cough cases across the United States, with current numbers five times higher than they were at this time last year. Pennsylvania and Delaware have experienced even larger increases, raising concerns among local health officials. Lora Werner, interim director of the Delaware County Health Department, warned of the rising cases, emphasizing the need for protective measures to control the spread.
The outbreak has been particularly concerning for infants, as nearly half of those diagnosed with whooping cough under the age of one end up hospitalized. In Delaware County, the surge is especially dramatic, with 182 confirmed cases so far this year compared to just one case during the same period last year. Werner and her team have been issuing alerts to the medical community to keep healthcare providers informed about the escalating situation.
Nationwide, the CDC reports that whooping cough cases have risen from 3,260 in 2023 to 17,579 this year, a fivefold increase. Pennsylvania has seen a tenfold increase in cases, while New Jersey and Delaware have also experienced significant spikes—2.6 times higher in New Jersey and 17 times higher in Delaware compared to last year. These numbers indicate a widespread resurgence of the disease in several regions.
Experts believe the rise in whooping cough cases is linked to the end of COVID-19 restrictions like social distancing and isolation, which had temporarily suppressed the spread of many contagious diseases, including whooping cough. Now that life has returned to normal, the disease is making a comeback, with case numbers reaching pre-pandemic levels. This has prompted health officials to call for renewed efforts to boost vaccination rates and prevent further outbreaks.
Health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children receive the recommended series of T-DAP vaccines, which protect against whooping cough, and encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated during each pregnancy. Adults are also advised to receive booster shots every 10 years. Alongside vaccinations, officials emphasize the importance of handwashing and staying home when sick to help reduce the spread of the disease in the community.
