The US is battling a significant surge in whooping cough cases, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a five-fold increase compared to the same time last year, CNN reports.
Stark rise in case numbers
As of October 12, 2024, there have been 18,506 reported cases, a stark rise from 3,382 cases reported by mid-October 2023.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory illness that can be difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to other respiratory infections.
Early symptoms typically include a runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough, which progress after a couple of weeks to severe coughing fits, which can cause vomiting, broken ribs and a distinctive "whooping" sound as the patient struggles to breathe.
Vaccine preferred over antibiotics
The illness can be treated with antibiotics but treatment is most effective if administered in the early stages before the more severe symptoms begin.
Once the cough sets in, management is limited to supportive care, with rest and fluids as the primary treatment options.
Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to whooping cough, especially if they have not completed their full vaccination schedule. In these cases, complications such as pneumonia or, in rare instances, brain damage may occur.
The infection spreads through airborne bacteria and is highly contagious, particularly in schools, childcare centres and hospitals.
To protect against whooping cough, the CDC recommends the DTaP vaccine for children and the TDaP vaccine for adolescents and adults.
Vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent the illness and reduce its severity.
Health experts stress the importance of timely vaccinations to curb the spread of the disease, especially in young children and vulnerable populations.