Deadly Illness Surges: Cases Double by 2025, Exceeding 9,000

(Nexstar) - While measles isn’t the only illness surging back in 2025, another particularly hazardous condition for small kids called pertussis, also referred to as whooping cough, is propagating at almost double the rate compared to the previous year.

By April 26, the most recent information accessible from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 9,047 cases have been reported among U.S. residents in 2025. This number is almost double the total from the same period last year, which was around 4,700 cases.

Whooping cough often reaches its highest levels during the spring and autumn seasons. This illness typically spreads via respiratory droplets in the air when individuals who have pertussis cough, sneeze, or exhale near others. Initially, the signs resemble those of a common cold; however, the cough progressively worsens, accompanied by a characteristic noise—a "whoop"—as the individual attempts to draw breath.

Over 900 measles cases have been confirmed across the U.S., with outbreaks recorded in 29 states, according to the CDC.

The illness is most dangerous for infants too young to get the vaccine.

Experts say the outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, like measles And cases of whooping cough might reflect shifting sentiments towards vaccinations. In the U.S., kindergarten immunization rates dropped last year, with an increase in the number of children opting for vaccine exemptions. an all-time high .

Where is whooping cough spreading fastest?

As of 2025, West Coast states account for the majority of cases recorded so far. Washington State has documented over 1,000 instances independently. Additionally, Oregon has seen 663 cases, and California reports having experienced 590 pertussis cases, as stated by the CDC.

A group of states showing high figures includes Michigan with 537 cases, followed closely by Ohio at 494, Wisconsin with 346, and Illinois having 319 reported instances.

Florida also has at least 468 cases of whooping cough in 2025.

What has caused the resurgence of pertussis?

A prominent hypothesis for the surge in whooping cough incidents is the decline in vaccination rates.

“There’s unfortunately been increasing anti-vaccine sentiment in the United States,” said Dr. Ericka Hayes at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Our recovery is not nearly as quick as we expected it to be and we needed it to be. And again, when you fall below 95% for vaccinations, you lose that herd immunity protection.”

The combined pertussis vaccine, which also safeguards against diphtheria and tetanus, is administered at two months, four months, and six months of age. Expecting mothers have the option to receive this vaccination to provide protection for their infants; however, as Hayes mentioned, insufficient local women are choosing to do so.

The CDC suggests that adults receive subsequent doses every decade as well.

This increase might be related to the specific vaccine that is being utilized, as pointed out by UCLA epidemiology professor Annette Regan. The Conversation The Pertussis vaccine utilized before the 1990s contained entire, inactivated B. pertussis bacterial cells. Nevertheless, as Regan points out, these vaccines had a higher tendency to induce fevers or other adverse reactions whenever infants received an injection.

Consequently, we shifted to a vaccine that comprises components of the bacteria rather than the entire bacterium. According to Regan, these vaccine versions are thought to induce fewer adverse reactions; however, they might offer shorter-lasting immunity.

The Associated Press provided contributions to this report.

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