Two tiny lives were cut short.
Health professionals are raising alarms about a troubling resurgence of whooping cough, medically known as pertussis. The illness, which is highly contagious and characterized by severe, persistent coughing fits, is seeing an uptick in cases across the United States. Louisiana recently reported two infant fatalities from pertussis—the first deaths from the disease in the state since 2018—underscoring growing concern among public health officials.
Dr. John Schieffelin, a pediatric specialist at Tulane University, highlighted how dangerous the illness can be for young children, particularly infants. In severe cases, babies may experience such intense coughing that they are unable to eat or drink. These symptoms can quickly lead to pneumonia, sometimes requiring ventilation. Louisiana has already seen 110 reported cases this year, nearing the total number of cases the state saw throughout 2024. Nationally, more than 35,000 cases were recorded last year—the highest number in over a decade—with 10 fatalities, including six infants.
Experts believe the resurgence is due in part to waning immunity and declining vaccination rates. Lisa Morici, a microbiologist at Tulane University, explained that as fewer people are vaccinated or as immunity fades over time, communities become more vulnerable to outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of DTaP vaccinations for children, beginning at two months of age, with additional doses given through early childhood. Booster shots, known as Tdap, are advised for adolescents and adults, with pregnant women urged to receive one during their third trimester to protect newborns.
The concept of “cocooning” has also been promoted—this strategy involves vaccinating those who will be in close contact with a baby, such as parents, siblings, and caregivers, to help protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated themselves. According to the CDC, maternal vaccination is highly effective, preventing about 78% of newborn pertussis cases and reducing hospitalization rates by 91%.
Despite public health efforts, concerns about vaccine accessibility and mixed messages from leadership are contributing to the problem. Jennifer Herricks, a vaccination advocate in Louisiana, pointed to poverty and limited access to healthcare in rural areas as key barriers. Additionally, recent changes in state-level vaccine promotion policies have sparked worry among medical professionals. While some officials maintain that vaccine decisions should be made with a healthcare provider, others, like New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno, caution that diminishing public trust in vaccine messaging could negatively affect immunization rates across the board. Although the Louisiana Department of Health has since issued updated guidance on pertussis vaccination, Avegno warns it may not be enough to counteract the damage already done.
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