Whooping cough, or pertussis, cases are rising significantly in Michigan, prompting the state’s health department to urge residents to stay up-to-date on vaccinations. As of October 28, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported 830 confirmed or probable cases, a significant increase from the 473 cases recorded earlier in the month.
In comparison, Michigan averaged around 596 cases per year between 2017 and 2019, indicating a notable surge in 2023. This trend is not isolated to Michigan; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that cases nationally have increased more than fivefold compared to the same period last year.
Pertussis is known to occur in cycles, with case numbers peaking periodically. Outbreaks tend to cluster in high-contact settings, such as schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, and densely populated areas. The disease is highly contagious, especially among children, and tends to spread quickly in environments where people are in close proximity. Such environments contribute to the rapid transmission and make it challenging to control outbreaks once they begin.
Early symptoms of whooping cough resemble those of a common cold, but as the illness progresses, patients develop a distinctive “whooping” sound as they gasp for air following intense coughing fits. These coughing episodes can last from several weeks to even 10 weeks in some cases. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable; instead of coughing, they may experience breathing pauses, which can cause their skin to turn blue or lead to breathlessness. Due to the potential severity, vaccination is especially critical in young children who face higher risks of severe complications.
Health officials emphasize vaccination as the primary defense against pertussis. MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian noted that the state’s declining vaccination rates contribute to the resurgence of whooping cough and other preventable diseases. The MDHHS is actively encouraging residents to remain vigilant about their immunization schedules to help curb the spread of these diseases. Staying current with vaccines is essential to maintaining individual and community protection.
The CDC recommends that adults receive a booster vaccine every 10 years to maintain immunity. Although vaccinated individuals are not entirely immune due to the gradual decline in vaccine effectiveness over time, those who are vaccinated generally experience milder symptoms and recover more quickly. Regular boosters are therefore important in sustaining protection, as pertussis can still affect vaccinated individuals, though with reduced severity and risk of complications.
