Whooping Cough on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know

If your child has had a persistent cough for weeks, you might brush it off as a lingering cold or a seasonal bug. But what if it’s something more serious? 

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is on the rise, and it's more than just a typical cough – it can be life-threatening, especially for infants. Because whooping cough cases are increasing, parents must understand the risks, symptoms and steps to protect their children.

Daniel Ruderfer, M.D., a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, shares insights on why whooping cough is a concern and what parents should know to keep their families safe.

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease gets its name from the “whooping” sound that occurs when someone with the infection takes a deep breath after a fit of coughing. The "whoop" sound is a sharp, high-pitched gasp for air.

“Whooping cough can be particularly dangerous for infants under one year of age,” explains Dr. Ruderfer. “Their coughing fits can be so severe that they struggle to breathe, which can lead to complications like brain damage or even death in some cases.”

Recognizing Whooping Cough Symptoms

Beyond the distinct “whooping” sound during coughing fits, symptoms vary significantly based on the age and health of the person. Its symptoms often resemble those of a common cold or other respiratory illnesses, making diagnosis more challenging.

For some older children and adults, whooping cough might show up as a prolonged, nagging cough without any other symptoms like a runny nose or fever. 

“In toddlers, you might see prolonged coughing spells where the child appears otherwise happy and active, but has these intermittent, intense bouts of coughing,” says Dr. Ruderfer. He adds that these coughing fits can last for up to three months, earning the disease the nickname “the 100-day cough.”

How Contagious is Whooping Cough?

One of the most important things to know about whooping cough is how easily it spreads, especially if left untreated. Research shows that when exposed to whooping cough, about 80-90% of people will get the illness.

“If someone is coughing and hasn’t been treated, they’re potentially contagious,” explains Dr. Ruderfer. 

The bacteria can quickly spread within a household. Even those who’ve been vaccinated can sometimes contract the infection, though their symptoms may be milder. The contagious nature of whooping cough – combined with how dangerous it can be for some people, such as infants – makes it a public health concern.

As of June 1, 2024, the United States has seen a sharp increase in reported whooping cough cases, more than five times the number compared to the same period last year, according to recent data from the CDC.

“If you suspect your child might have whooping cough, it’s important to get them treated promptly," urges Dr. Ruderfer. "This helps reduce the severity of the symptoms and prevents the spread of the disease to others.”

Diagnosing & Treating Whooping Cough

Diagnosing whooping cough can be tricky. The bacteria are fastidious, meaning they are difficult to grow in a lab, and special tests are required to confirm the presence of Bordetella pertussis.

“The most reliable way to diagnose whooping cough is through a PCR test, which looks for the DNA of the bacteria using a deep nasal swab," explains Dr. Ruderfer. "But this isn’t always performed in a pediatrician’s office. More often, the diagnosis is made based on clinical symptoms.”

If a health care provider suspects whooping cough – especially in a child with a persistent cough – they might start treatment before confirming the diagnosis to minimize the risk of spreading the infection.

The good news is that whooping cough is easily treated with antibiotics, usually a five-day course of erythromycin. Azithromycin and clarithromycin are other treatment options. Once treated, the person is generally no longer contagious after they take the full course of medication.

“It’s a relatively benign treatment,” notes Dr. Ruderfer. “But the key is starting it early to prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission.” 

Stopping the Spread of Whooping Cough

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against whooping cough. As part of the standard immunization schedule in the United States, children get a series of DTaP shots (which protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) starting at two months old. They also get booster doses throughout childhood. The CDC also recommends that adults – especially those who are often around young children – get a Tdap booster to maintain their immunity.

“A major challenge with whooping cough is that the immunity from the vaccine can wane over time, which is why boosters are necessary," explains Dr. Ruderfer. "But even if vaccinated people get pertussis, their symptoms are often less severe than those in unvaccinated individuals.”

If your child has a persistent, unexplained cough, especially if it’s severe and occurs in fits, here’s what you can do:

1. Listen for the whoop: Pay attention to whether your child’s cough has a distinctive sound. Look up audio clips of whooping cough to familiarize yourself with what it sounds like.
2. Consult your child’s pediatrician: Seek medical advice if your child has been coughing for a long time without improvement. Even if the symptoms are mild, it’s best to get a professional opinion.
3. Follow through with treatment: If diagnosed, make sure your child completes the full course of antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent its spread.
4. Keep up with vaccinations: Ensure your child is up to date on their DTaP vaccinations, and consider getting a Tdap booster if you’re an adult who regularly interacts with infants.

"The takeaway is that any prolonged cough should not be ignored," urges Dr. Ruderfer. "Parents should be aware of the distinct, whooping sound that can occur, and if they hear it, they need to get their child seen by a health care provider.” 

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our experts: Daniel Ruderfer, M.D.
• If you detect possible whooping cough in your family, make an appointment by calling 800-822-8905 or visiting our website.
• You can also visit one of our urgent care locations. 

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.