Washington Reports 'Dramatic' 25-Fold Increase in Whooping Cough Cases

WA whooping cough cases soar

The state Department of Health calls the rise "staggering," and notes that it coincides with a drop in whooping cough vaccination rates among young children.

Washington reports 'dramatic' 25-fold increase in whooping cough cases

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Health officials in Washington state are warning about a “dramatic surge” in whooping cough cases seen last year amid a decrease in vaccination rates. On Friday, the Washington State Department of Health said the state had a 25-fold increase in pertussis, also known as whooping cough, cases in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, Washington reported 2,261 confirmed and probable cases, marking a major increase from the 87 cases…

WA whooping cough cases soar as vaccination rates drop

By Elise TakahamaSeattle Times

Washington Reports Sharp Increase in Whooping Cough Cases

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is reporting a significant rise in whooping cough cases across the state, with more than 2,200 confirmed and probable cases recorded in 2024—a 25-fold increase from the 87 cases reported in 2023. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a bacterial illness that begins with cold-like symptoms and can develop into severe coughing spells. It poses a serious risk to infants under o…