Editorโs Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Austin County News Online does not advocate for or against immunizations. If you believe you have been exposed to or may have contracted whooping cough, seek medical attention promptly.
More than 3,500 cases of pertussis โ commonly known as whooping cough โ have been reported in Texas this year, reaching an 11-year high, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The number is expected to rise further as the state enters two of the most active months for respiratory illnesses. Health officials attribute the surge to declining vaccination rates, waning immunity, and greater transmission during the holiday season. Pertussis is especially contagious among children and poses serious risks to infants, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.
Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which attaches to the lining of the upper respiratory tract and triggers inflammation. The illness often begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, and low fever before progressing to prolonged coughing fits that can make breathing difficult. In some cases, the cough can persist for weeks or even months, leading to vomiting, exhaustion, or rib fractures.
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Infants are the most vulnerable group because they are too young to be fully vaccinated. One in three infants with whooping cough requires hospitalization, and one in five develops pneumonia or other complications such as seizures or brain inflammation. Many infants do not display the classic โwhoopโ sound but may experience pauses in breathing, bluish skin or lips, or life-threatening apnea. Older children, adolescents, and adults can also contract the disease and spread it to others, often with milder symptoms. Persistent coughing can still cause fatigue and secondary infections. If diagnosed early, antibiotics can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent further transmission.
Provisional data from DSHS show that the 3,500 cases reported through October are quadruple the number recorded during the same period in 2024 and ten times higher than the total for all of 2023. It marks the second consecutive year the agency has issued a statewide health alert. The alert, published Nov. 3, noted that more than half of last yearโs cases occurred in November and December, indicating that case counts are likely to continue climbing. The current spike coincides with the holiday season, when large family gatherings often increase opportunities for exposure and transmission. Epidemiologists say the size of this yearโs increase is significant compared to previous cycles. Pertussis tends to spike every few years, but the combination of decreased vaccine coverage and waning immunity has amplified the current outbreak. Broader use of diagnostic testing has also contributed to more confirmed cases.
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Nationally, whooping cough has been rebounding since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, more than 35,000 cases were reported in the United States, up from just over 7,000 in 2023. Preliminary data show that about 85 percent of Texas cases in 2025 have occurred in children, though no deaths have been reported in the state.
State and federal health officials emphasize vaccination as the best defense. The DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, is recommended for children between six weeks and six years of age. The Tdap vaccine, which provides the same protection in a lower dose, is recommended for individuals age seven and older, including adults. Pregnant women are advised to receive a Tdap booster during each pregnancy โ ideally between 27 and 36 weeks โ to pass protective antibodies to their newborns until the baby can begin its own vaccine series. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that all adults stay up to date with booster shots every 10 years and that family members and caregivers around infants ensure their vaccinations are current.
In Texas schools that report immunization rates, 93.4 percent of seventh graders were fully vaccinated with Tdap during the 2024โ25 school year, and 92.9 percent of kindergarteners had completed the DTaP series. Both figures reflect gradual declines from previous years. Health officials note that vaccinated individuals can still contract whooping cough, though symptoms are typically milder and less likely to require hospitalization. Regular handwashing, covering coughs, and avoiding contact with infants when sick are also recommended to help reduce transmission.
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