Whooping cough cases in the US top 10,000 in the first 4 months of 2025
West, or Pacific coast states up 192%
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through May 3, 2025, 10,062 pertussis, or whooping cough cases have been reported nationally.
This is nearly double the number of cases reported during the same period in 2024 (5,212).
Washington leads all states with 1,067 cases, followed by Oregon (723), California (590), Michigan (561) and Ohio (522).
While the Pacific coast states lead with the highest total, the East South Central states (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee) have reported this highest percent increase compared to last year (653%).
Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial disease that can be spread by coughing. ​People with pertussis have severe coughing attacks that can last for months. Infants too young for vaccination are at greatest risk for life-threatening cases of pertussis.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis. DTaP vaccines are recommended for infants and children, and Tdap vaccines are recommended for adults.
Pregnant women are also advised to receive a Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to protect their babies.