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>>Whooping Cough Cases Surge Across PA

Pennsylvania is currently experiencing a surge in whooping cough cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state has the highest number of whooping cough cases in the country, with nearly 2,200 cases reported. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with the CDC reporting more than five times as many cases as of October 5, 2024, compared to the same time in 2023.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria attach to the cilia, tiny hair-like extensions that line part of the upper respiratory system, and release toxins that damage the cilia and cause airways to swell. The illness can spread easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing.

Babies under a year old are at the greatest risk of developing whooping cough and experiencing severe complications, including apnea and pneumonia. According to the CDC, nearly one in three babies in that age range who contract whooping cough end up needing treatment in the hospital.

Health experts attribute the surge in whooping cough cases to missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic and the cessation of mask-wearing, which had previously lowered transmission rates. The CDC notes that as typical infection patterns return to the United States, they expect pertussis cases to increase both in unvaccinated and vaccinated populations, as protection from vaccination fades over time.

The CDC recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent pertussis. There are two types of combination vaccines that offer protection against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. Children under the age of 7 receive the DTaP vaccine, while those 7 and older get the Tdap vaccine. The CDC also recommends that pregnant women get the Tdap vaccine early in the third trimester of each pregnancy to protect babies from the illness in the first few months post-birth.


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