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Florida has reported the highest number of whooping cough cases
The United States confirmed at least a dozen deaths from whooping cough infections, according to preliminary figures released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This marks the greatest number of fatalities from this bacterial infection since 2017—also known as pertussis.
Over the last month, whooping cough has been rising significantly. The CDC health department says even though cases had dropped over the winter holidays, weekly infections have again accelerated for a month straight since then.
Florida reports the highest number of whooping cough cases
According to statistics, 360 pertussis cases were reported across the country this week, taking the tally up 27 per cent from the week before. Weekly cases peaked at 577 late last year, before plummeting to less than 200 over the New Year's holiday.
Florida has reported the highest 44 cases last week, displacing Ohio, which earlier had the most pertussis infections for many in the recent weeks. Cases have been reported the most in Miami and Tampa counties. Similar to other states, most cases reported in Florida have been in children under 5 years old.
"People of all ages are at risk for getting pertussis (whooping cough). Everyone who is not up to date with whooping cough vaccination should get vaccinated," CDC spokesperson Paul Prince said in a statement.
Officials have warned for months that the US was likely on track to see a major wave in whooping cough cases. While infections usually climb every three to five years, pertussis was among many germs that were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is whooping cough?
While whooping cough is initially difficult to separate from other cold-causing germs that surge over the colder months, it can be identified from the sound of cough. According to experts, it is known as whooping cough due to severe coughing attacks, which linger for weeks.
Also known as the 100-day cough, this infection is highly contagious, leading to breathing difficulties in babies and children. This includes conditions like apnea - when there are pauses in their breathing. A whooping cough also leads to serious, life-threatening complications in babies.
What causes whooping cough?
According to doctors, a kind of bacteria known as Bordetella pertussis causes this infection, which begins when it enters your respiratory system.
They attach to the tiny, hair-like extensions known as cilia on the lining of your respiratory tract and release toxins, which damage your cilia and cause your airways to swell. This swelling causes the secretions of your mucus to increase, which causes severe coughing.
Signs and symptoms of whooping cough
According to experts, early pertussis symptoms resemble those of the common cold. These symptoms persist for one to two weeks and may include:
- Slight fever
- Mild or occasional coughing
- Runny nose
- A pause in breathing in babies
- Prolonged, repeated, or violent coughing episodes that recur intermittently for up to 10 weeks or more
- Whooping sound when inhaling after the coughing stops
- Vomiting
- Exhaustion
Symptoms of pertussis begin to lessen after four weeks, although bouts of coughing can recur for months after symptoms start.
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