Whooping Cough Cases Remain High in Illinois, Ranking Fourth Nationwide
Low Vaccination Rates and Waning Vaccine Immunity Contribute to High Numbers
Whooping cough cases remained high this year in Illinois, a trend likely driven by low vaccination rates and waning vaccine immunity, but also by better detection through more and improved testing.
High Number of Cases
As of the end of November, 1,902 whooping cough infections were reported in Illinois this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s three times more cases compared to the same time last year and the highest number of cases the state has seen since 2012, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Cases in Chicago have also reached a 12-year high at 265 reported cases, the Chicago Department of Public Health reported.
Increase in Cases
“Increasingly, since the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing many of these infectious diseases have high numbers after dropping during the pandemic, including whooping cough,” said Sameer Vohra, the director of the state’s health department. Before the pandemic, spikes in whooping cough cases would happen every three to five years, according to the city health department.
Whooping Cough: A Highly Contagious Respiratory Disease
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The telltale symptom of the infection is a cough that lingers and gets worse over several weeks. The infection is most severe in infants. One in three babies under a year old are hospitalized with whooping cough.
October Sees Record-Breaking Cases
In October, 408 whooping cough cases were recorded in Illinois, the largest monthly total in 20 years, according to the state health department. Illinois has the fourth highest amount of cases in the country, according to the CDC’s figures. Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New York have reported more infections this year.
Low Vaccination Rate and Waning Vaccine Immunity
Larry Kociolek, an infectious disease doctor at Lurie Children’s Hospital, has noticed an increase in cases this year. A low vaccination rate is partly to blame, he said. People got behind on their vaccinations during the pandemic and still haven’t caught up. The effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine also wanes over time.
Vaccination Rates
The DTaP vaccine for kids is five doses given throughout the first six years of a child’s life, which requires regular primary care visits. “There are several doses given during childhood. The vaccine gets more effective over time,” Kociolek said. “But immunity wanes when entering adolescence, so that’s why we give a booster and then again in early adulthood.”
Improved Testing
Another explanation is doctors are testing for whooping cough more, so they’re identifying more cases, Kociolek said. “Pertussis is easier to diagnose now than a decade ago,” Kociolek said. “Rapid and highly accurate tests are now more available, making it easier to recognize cases.”
Conclusion
The most effective way to prevent whooping cough is for both kids and adults to be vaccinated. It’s recommended adults get the Tdap vaccine booster every 10 years, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Vaccinations are especially important for pregnant people and anyone caring for infants and young children.
FAQs
* What is whooping cough? Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease.
* What are the symptoms of whooping cough? The telltale symptom of the infection is a cough that lingers and gets worse over several weeks.
* How many cases of whooping cough have been reported in Illinois? As of the end of November, 1,902 whooping cough infections were reported in Illinois this year.
* Why are there more cases of whooping cough? Low vaccination rates and waning vaccine immunity, as well as better detection through more and improved testing, are contributing factors.
* How can I prevent whooping cough? The most effective way to prevent whooping cough is for both kids and adults to be vaccinated. It’s recommended adults get the Tdap vaccine booster every 10 years, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
