Texas Faces Pertussis Surge as Cases Triple in 2024

Pertussis, sometimes known as whoop cough, is tripling compared to last year, and Texas health officials alert everyone of the risk. This spike corresponds with a nationwide trend whereby pertussis cases have sharply increased following years of historically low numbers during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Bordetella pertussis bacteria cause the very contagious respiratory disease known as pertussis. Early symptoms resemble the common cold, but violent coughing fits, choking, vomiting, and even trouble breathing can emerge as the illness advances. Particularly fragile, newborns sometimes show life-threatening problems, including apnea or turning blue.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), vaccination is the most successful approach to stop pertussis. Still, almost half of the recorded cases this year were from people who had gotten one or more doses of the pertussis vaccination, underscoring the need for timely boosters and preserving herd immunity.

Health officials urge Texans to check their immunization records and, should symptoms arise, seek early treatment. They also advise maintaining good hygienic standards, including frequent hand washing and avoiding direct contact with sick people to stop the disease from spreading.

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