Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

2,875 cases in 2024 — 4.6× the 5-year baseline of ~620. Significantly elevated.

What is it?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. NYS reported 2,875 cases in 2024 — above recent-year averages, reflecting a national uptick.

How it spreads

Spreads very easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Unvaccinated infants are at highest risk; many are infected by adults who don't know they have pertussis.

Symptoms

Starts like a cold (runny nose, mild cough, low fever) and progresses to severe coughing fits with a characteristic "whoop" sound when inhaling. Infants may not whoop but can have apnea (pauses in breathing). Cough can last months.

Who is at risk?

Infants under 12 months are at highest risk for severe disease and death. Older children, teens, and adults can get pertussis but typically have milder illness and spread it unknowingly.

What you can do

Vaccine information

DTaP for children, Tdap booster for teens and adults. Particularly important for pregnant people and anyone in contact with infants.

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.