Michigan reports rise in pertussis, reports declining childhood immunization rates

Michigan state health officials are reporting an increase in pertussis, or whooping cough cases in 2024, prompting the call for the public to get up to date with vaccinations.

Between 2017 and 2019, Michigan averaged 596 cases of pertussis each year. There have already been 830 confirmed or probable cases reported to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) this year as of Oct. 28. 

This time in 2023, Michigan saw 76 pertussis cases.

The United States as a whole is reporting a significant increase in pertussis cases this year with more than 22,000 cases reported, compared to 4800 cases during the same period in 2023.

Michigan is continuing to see declining childhood immunization rates, meaning more infants and children are at risk for severe pertussis illnesses. In Michigan, 82.9% of children have received their first dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine by the time they are three months old. However, only 65.6% of 19-month-olds received all four recommended doses for DTaP. 

“Vaccinations continue to be our top line of defense against the spread of pertussis,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “With a declining rate of immunizations, we are unfortunately seeing a rise in pertussis and other vaccine preventable diseases statewide. We encourage all Michiganders to stay up to date with their immunization schedule.”