Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The United States is currently facing a resurgence of whooping cough cases, with a significant increase seen compared to last year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 8,485 cases of the highly contagious respiratory infection in 2025, marking double the number of cases recorded at this time last year. This rise in cases has health officials concerned about the impact it may have on public health.

Experts attribute the spike in whooping cough cases to various factors, including the cyclical nature of the illness and changing attitudes towards vaccinations in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic, which led to increased masking and social distancing, had initially caused a decline in cases. However, as restrictions eased, the number of cases began to rise. This trend, along with a decrease in kindergarten vaccination rates and a rise in vaccine exemptions, has created a breeding ground for vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough and measles.

Dr. Ericka Hayes from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia highlighted the concerning anti-vaccine sentiment in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to achieve herd immunity. Vaccinations are crucial in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly infants who are most at risk from severe complications of whooping cough before receiving their first round of vaccinations.

Whooping cough tends to peak in the late summer and fall, spreading through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze. The illness starts off with symptoms similar to a cold but progresses to a severe, distinctive cough accompanied by a “whooping” sound as patients struggle to breathe. Treatment involves antibiotics, but prevention through vaccination remains key in controlling the spread of the disease.

In Pennsylvania, health officials have reported 207 cases of whooping cough in 2025, with significant increases seen in urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as well as in schools and colleges. Similarly, Michigan is experiencing a rise in cases, primarily among children aged 5 to 17. Varying vaccination rates across counties in these states highlight the importance of targeted vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable communities from outbreaks.

As health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, they emphasize the importance of prioritizing vaccination efforts, especially among pregnant women to protect newborns. The challenges posed by the resurgence of whooping cough and other vaccine-preventable diseases underscore the need for sustained public health interventions and education to combat the spread of these infections.