PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Whooping cough, or pertussis cases are continuing to rise here in Wisconsin and nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than 32,000 cases in the U.S. so far this year.
In Wisconsin, 2,474 cases of pertussis have been reported since Jan. 1, 2024. Compare that to 2023 when there were just 48 cases reported to the CDC.
The Badger State has the third most cases in the U.S., only behind New York and Pennsylvania.
“If severe enough, it can lead you into the hospital and into the emergency room which we’re trying to avoid,” Prevea Health Family Physician Dr. Long Nguyen said.
Pertussis is a respiratory infection which causes an uncontrollable, violent cough.
Symptoms include fever, cough, trouble breathing, and vomiting.
The Wisconsin DHS says infants are at the greatest risk, and parents should seek help if they notice them gasping for air.
Other vulnerable populations include older adults, people with pre-existing conditions, and children under age 10.
“Kids are notorious for not being able to wash their hands as well as adults. They are usually in day care centers, in school, where they’re in very close proximity with other children,” Nguyen said.
Doctor Nguyen said vaccine skepticism is one of the main contributors behind the rise in cases.
“Pertussis is something that we’ve had a vaccination out for a very long time, but there are more and more groups of parents and patients that are not willing to get vaccinated so that is increasing the risk,” Nguyen said.
Nearly every county in Wisconsin has had at least one case of Whooping cough this year.
Doctor Nguyen said there could be other reasons for the spread but believes Wisconsin’s colder climate doesn’t help either. His advice is to seek out the vaccine.
“Vaccinating before you get sick is important, it helps decrease your risk of contracting, but also decreases your risk of hospitalization,” Nguyen said.
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