Dreaded disease makes comeback as vaccination rates drop

Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona is experiencing a surge in whooping cough cases, with numbers hitting their highest levels since 2015. Health officials warn that this uptick in pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory disease, could pose serious health risks — especially for children, seniors, and individuals with underlying conditions like asthma or COPD.

The Arizona Department of Health Services has reported 491 cases of whooping cough so far in 2024, a significant increase from the 337 cases recorded throughout 2023. Experts attribute the rise in cases to declining vaccination rates, which have fallen to some of the lowest levels in the country.

Whooping cough, caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, primarily affects the respiratory system. In children, it often presents with violent coughing fits, followed by a distinct “whoop” sound when they struggle to breathe. While adults rarely develop the characteristic "whoop," the illness can still be dangerous for them and those around them.

Health officials stress that vaccination remains the best defense against whooping cough. The Tdap vaccine—recommended for adolescents and adults every 10 years—protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. However, Arizona’s immunization rates against pertussis stand at just 92.7%, among the lowest in the US, which has contributed to the current outbreak.

As of 2024, across the US there has been a notable resurgence of whooping cough. There have been approximately 16,375 reported cases so far this year, representing a significant increase compared to 3,771 cases during the same period in 2023. This surge marks a return to pre-pandemic trends after a lull during COVID-19 lockdowns, which temporarily suppressed the spread of many infectious diseases.