CDC reports that cases of whooping cough in the United States have reached the highest level in 10 years, with West Coast and Middle Atlantic regions standing out as current hot spots.
So far in 2024, CDC said there have been more than 16,000 documented infections—a dramatic climb from 3,700 cases nationwide last year.
“The United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year,” CDC said.
Infants younger than 1 year old are at the greatest risk for whooping cough and serious complications, including pneumonia and apnea, said CDC.
Experts have previously attributed the surge in infections as fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Transmission declined during the public health emergency due to a variety of factors. Many children also missed routine recommended immunizations.