Whooping cough (pertussis) infections continue to rise in the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating more than 17,600 cases as of Oct. 5.
Post-pandemic, whooping cough diagnoses plummeted, with just 2,100 cases reported in 2021.
“Additionally, the immunity from the vaccine or previous infection wanes over time, which can also contribute to outbreaks.” What is whooping cough?
A highly contagious respiratory tract infection, pertussis gets its more common name, “whooping cough,” from the severe hacking cough that some people develop.
In addition to giving antibiotics, it’s important to manage symptoms, especially in severe cases, she said.
The number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the U.S. S. an estimated 17,600 cases were reported as of October by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 5.
Comparing that to the 3,962 cases reported in October of last year, there has been a rise of over 340 percent.
Prior to the pandemic, the annual number of cases would normally exceed 10,000, reaching a peak of 18,600 in 2019.
There were only 2,100 cases of whooping cough reported in 2021 after the pandemic.
In terms of cumulative cases (year to date), Pennsylvania (2,209), New York (1,228), Illinois (1,153), California (1,123), Wisconsin (903), Washington (844), Ohio (814), Texas (676), Oregon (546), and Arizona (491) are the ten states with the highest number.
The increase: why is it happening?
The sharp decline in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing, mask use, and other infection control measures that helped prevent whooping cough is one theory explaining the spike.
According to Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and senior medical analyst for Fox News, “they are increasing more now as our immune systems are exposed to viruses and bacteria we haven’t seen and are slower to respond.”.
According to Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist who serves as the CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, a for-profit supplement company, whooping cough outbreaks usually arise in populations with low vaccination rates, she previously told Fox News Digital.
“Pertussis is extremely contagious, and the disease can spread more easily in areas where herd immunity is weak due to inadequate vaccination,” the source told Fox News Digital.
Outbreaks can also result from the gradual waning of immunity resulting from a prior infection or vaccination. “.
How does whooping cough occur?
The severe hacking cough that some people experience while suffering from pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection, gives rise to the more popular term “whooping cough.”.
Early symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, resemble those of a cold in addition to the cough. These symptoms include fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, and red, watery eyes.
As a patient’s symptoms worsen over time, they frequently result in violent, uncontrollable coughing fits that, according to the same source, end with a “whooping” sound made when the patient inhales because of mucus buildup in their airways.
In an interview with Fox News Digital on Friday, Siegel said, “I think this is an underappreciated problem and a good reason why I am regularly giving Tdap vaccines to my adult patients.”.
The tdap vaccine, which protects adults and teens from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis infections, is a combination of three vaccines.
“It’s a three- to five-year vaccine that works,” Siegel stated. “A current vaccination record ought to be held by all. “.
Although the vaccine protects children from serious illness, infants who are too young to receive the vaccination are most vulnerable.
Siegel admonished, “This disease is particularly problematic in young children because of their less developed airways.”.
To help protect the unborn child until they can receive their own vaccinations, it is advised that pregnant women get the Tdap vaccine each time they become pregnant.
When to consult a doctor.
Experts advise seeking medical attention if suspected pertussis is present, due to the potential severity of the illness in young infants and those with compromised immune systems.
“Sadly, the diagnosis is frequently overlooked as the dry cough may be misdiagnosed as a viral infection,” Siegel stated.
An antibiotic that stops bacteria from growing and spreading is called doxycycline, and it can be used to treat adults.
According to Siegel, children are typically treated with azithromycin.
According to Dubinsky, the illness becomes dangerous when it causes violent coughing fits that make it difficult for babies to breathe, induce vomiting, or interfere with their regular breathing patterns.
She said that in addition to administering antibiotics, it’s critical to treat symptoms, particularly in more severe situations.
Hospitalization may be necessary to monitor and treat complications for infants or individuals exhibiting severe symptoms. “.
According to CDC data, there are 24 million cases of pertussis annually and about 160,000 deaths of children under the age of five worldwide from the illness.
