Texas Officials Report Large Spike In Whooping Cough Cases

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are reporting a sharp increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases to end out 2024.

Photo by Stephen Andrews on Unsplash

According to the DSHS, whooping cough cases have nearly tripled since 2023 according to the report. According to the CDC, whooping cough cases around the country are up over six times that of 2023.

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The Bordetella pertussis bacteria is the cause of pertussis, resulting in a highly contagious respiratory disease. It frequently starts with symptoms similar to a cold and develops into intense coughing fits that might result in vomiting or the distinctive "whooping" sound made when air is inhaled during the coughing fits.

The most at risk are pregnant women, very young children, and those who have never been vaccinated. DSHS says that the DTaP and Tdap vaccines are still the best way to combat the disease.  However, they also say that even those who have been vaccinated for whooping cough could still contract the disease because the vaccine loses potency over time.

Symptoms of whooping cough may include:

• Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a "whooping" sound
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Fever
• Sore, watery eyes
• Lips, tongue, and nailbeds may turn blue during coughing spells

If you or someone you know has the symptoms of whooping cough; self isolate and call your medical provider for testing and treatment.

Treatment will include rounds of antibiotics.  DSHS advises that anyone that contracts whooping cough stay out of the public (work and school) for at least five days after being put on the appropriate antibiotic regiment from your doctor.