Whooping cough is seeing alarming increases across North America as health officials sound the alarm about the resurgence of this vaccine-preventable illness. Reports indicate significant rises not only within the United States but also throughout Canada, raising questions about the effectiveness of vaccination efforts during the pandemic.
Across parts of Canada, health officials report over 19,000 cases of pertussis—better known as whooping cough—this year. Joshua Coke from Health Canada noted, "Some increased activity was not unexpected post-pandemic, as case numbers reached record lows between 2020 and 2022." This rebound has been particularly pronounced in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, where case numbers have already eclipsed pre-pandemic peaks.
Meanwhile, the South Dakota Department of Health reported staggering statistics, announcing 319 cases of whooping cough as of late December, translating to rates 650% higher than the five-year average. This spike has led to short-term exclusions of school-aged children infected and their close contacts to curb the spread.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, highlighted concerns over the resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses during her year-end briefing. She stated, “There’s an increase in circulation of...pertussis,” attributing part of the challenge to pandemic-related disruptions of routine immunizations.
The symptoms of whooping cough can initially mimic those of the common cold, making it tricky for parents to recognize it. Those infected typically start with cold-like symptoms such as runny noses, mild coughs, and mild fevers. Health Canada warns, "The coughing can be so intense...a ‘whooping’ sound happens when you try to catch your breath.”
Complications can be serious, especially for infants, who are at the highest risk of severe symptoms. “Whooping cough can last for weeks or months if untreated, and can cause brain damage or death,” cautioned medical experts. They advise parents to seek medical attention for children exhibiting severe or prolonged coughs.
Treatment usually involves antibiotics, but health officials stress the importance of avoiding contact with others to prevent transmission. Patients must avoid close contact with children until they have completed at least five days of antibiotic therapy. Otherwise, they are to isolate until three weeks after the cough begins or their cough has resolved.
Experts are concerned this growing trend may be influenced by increased vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Michelle Migliore from the St. Joseph County Department of Health remarked, “I think we’re seeing a rise because people are experiencing vaccine fatigue...unaware maybe this is life-threatening for newborns.” Vaccination is urgently recommended, especially for pregnant women during the third trimester and infants who require boosters on schedule.
Despite the rise of whooping cough, health authorities have indicated it is not the most pressing respiratory illness prevalent this season. Doctors suggest thorough hand-washing, proper cough etiquette, and keeping sick children at home to mitigate risks.
Local healthcare providers are urging community vigilance as the holiday season brings gatherings, offering fertile ground for respiratory viruses like whooping cough to spread. "When you catch your breath, sometimes it can sound like a whoop. This is where the name [whooping cough] originates,” explained Dr. Tiankai Du, emphasizing the necessity of recognition and patient action.
Health officials want to reiterate the importance of maintaining vaccinations and continuing public health education on recognizing symptoms early. Increasing awareness can lead to timely treatment and, hopefully, curb the rapid rise before it escalates beyond control.
Despite efforts, health officials fear the higher than usual case numbers could become the new norm if vaccination rates do not improve. With regular public health reminders and consultation with healthcare providers, communities are encouraged to protect themselves and the most vulnerable populations against such diseases.
Only through collective action, vigilant awareness, and adherence to vaccination schedules can the grip of whooping cough, and other vaccine-preventable diseases, be loosened.
