Whooping Cough Outbreaks Surge Across Multiple US States

Alabama and North Carolina are experiencing significant outbreaks of pertussis, or whooping cough, with 123 and 525 cases respectively. The disease, caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, is spreading rapidly, particularly in schools, due to low vaccination rates. The CDC reports over 16,000 cases nationwide in 2024, a fivefold increase from 2023, with two deaths confirmed. Public health officials attribute the rise to decreased vaccination rates post-pandemic, urging adherence to the Tdap vaccination schedule to prevent further spread.