DHS Monitoring Significant Increase in Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Urges Vaccination to Prevent Severe Symptoms

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is reporting a significant increase in cases of pertussis also known as whooping cough, across Wisconsin. Data in the state, and nationally, show case counts are now like pre-pandemic levels. To prevent the spread and protect against severe symptoms or hospitalization, DHS urges Wisconsinites to make sure they and their children are up to date on their pertussis vaccine and to take other steps to stay healthy. As of September 13th, 2024, DHS has received reports of 625 confirmed cases of pertussis, compared to 51 cases reported in 2023. Since January 1, 2024, two-thirds of Wisconsin counties have reported at least one case. While people can get pertussis at any age, Wisconsinites aged 11 to 18 currently make up nearly half of all cases reported so far this year. “While it’s not uncommon for Wisconsin to see more cases of whooping cough compared to other years, this year there has already been more than 10 times as many cases as were reported in all of 2023,” said Stephanie Schauer, DHS Wisconsin Immunization Program Manager. “Whooping cough can be very serious, especially for infants. The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay up to date on your vaccines.”