The number of cases of pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, in California is over six times more than last year, according to a Sept. 2024 report released by the California Department of Public Health.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Last year, between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, there were 288 reported cases. So far this year in that same time frame, the number of cases is 1,744.
Three major Southern California counties are seeing significantly higher cases of whooping cough. In Los Angeles, there have been 100 more cases so far this year compared to last year, during the same time frame. Orange County’s number of cases went from 6 during the same time period in 2023 to 66 this year. In Riverside, there 30 more reported cases than last year at this time.
“Historically, pertussis has caused periodic surges in cases in communities,” Dr. Matthew Zahn, Medical Director at the Orange County Health Care Agency, said. “As for many infectious diseases, pertussis rates during the height of the COVID pandemic were low, likely due to social distancing measures being taken.”
The last time cases were this high in California was in 2019. During the same timespan there were 2,547 reported cases that year, according to the report.
Whooping cough gets its name from the sharp intake of breath that sounds like a “whoop” and commonly follows severe, hacking coughs caused by the infection. These coughing fits can cause ruptured blood vessels and even fractured ribs, according to Dr. Afif El-Hasan. Children and the elderly are most at risk for contracting the infection, and infants in particular are most at risk of serious disease, including death.
“Pregnant persons should receive Tdap at 27-36 weeks of pregnancy, with each pregnancy,” Dr. Zahn said. “Vaccination during pregnancy protects mom and also protects the infant, providing protection at the most vulnerable early months of life.”
Part of the increase can be attributed to a rise in anti-vaccine rhetoric, El-Hasan said. Though he sees less reluctance among parents to the whooping cough vaccine compared to others, he’s experienced notable refusal of the Tdap shot which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. He said that occasional swelling at the injection site can worry parents, but said it’s a normal, temporary reaction.
“Adverse effects to vaccines are extremely rare,” Dr. El-Hasan said. “Getting a disease if you’re unvaccinated is not that rare.”
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