Whooping cough cases in Texas hit 11-year high as vaccination rates drop

TEXAS – Texas is experiencing its worst whooping cough outbreak in more than a decade, with health officials warning the surge could intensify as the holiday season approaches.

More than 3,500 cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, have been reported in Texas this year. The dramatic increase comes amid declining vaccination rates across the state.

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Health officials are particularly concerned about the timing of the surge, as cases tend to rise in November and December.

The spike is hitting children especially hard. Health authorities emphasize that the best protection against whooping cough is staying up to date on vaccines, particularly for high-risk groups.

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Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or months. The disease gets its name from the distinctive “whooping” sound patients make when trying to breathe after a coughing spell.

Health officials recommend:

• Ensuring children receive all scheduled pertussis vaccine doses
• Pregnant women getting vaccinated during each pregnancy
• Adults receiving booster shots, especially if they’ll be around newborn babies
• Keeping infants away from anyone with cold symptoms or coughing