Pertussis cases nearly doubled in New Mexico as the US cases top 20,000 in 2024

New Mexico state health officials report a near doubling of the number of pertussis, or whooping cough cases in 2024 to date.

As of October 26, New Mexico has reported 60 cases, up from 35 cases reported during the same period in 2023, a 71% increase.

Most of these cases have been reported from the Albuquerque metro area, but all regions of the state have reported at least one case since this summer. 

Nationally, pertussis cases are up dramatically in 2024, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 20,791 cases through October 26. This compares to 4559 cases reported during the same period last year (more than a 350 percent increase).

States reporting the most cases this year include Pennsylvania (2363), Wisconsin (1434), Illinois (1356) and New York (1326).

Pertussis – better known as whooping cough – is highly contagious. It spreads from respiratory droplets that can happen naturally anytime a person coughs or sneezes. A person infected can spread it to other people for 21 days after their cough starts or until they complete five days of an appropriate antibiotic. 

Common symptoms of whooping cough can include coughing fits, which may be followed by a “whoop” sound as the person takes a breath after a coughing fit. Sometimes a person can cough so hard they vomit. The coughing alone from pertussis can last for several weeks, and possibly lead to complications such as broken ribs, hernias, seizures, swelling in the brain, and even death.

The best way to protect against pertussis is to get vaccinated.

There are two different vaccines for pertussis. Depending on your age, this will either be the DTaP or Tdap vaccine:  

• All children should get five doses of DTaP vaccine at two, four, and six months old, again at 15-18 months, and at four-six years old.  

• Preteens should get a booster of Tdap at 11-12 years old.  

• Any adult who has never previously had a dose of Tdap should get a dose now. (The Tdap vaccine can also be used for your ten-year tetanus and diphtheria booster.)

• People who are pregnant should get a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27-36 of gestation. Getting a booster during pregnancy gives your baby protective antibodies against pertussis in their first months of life, which is the most dangerous time for them to catch it.