Whooping Cough Cases Surge Across Germany in 2024

Germany reports record-breaking increases in whooping cough infections, with vaccination rates falling below recommended levels in several regions.

Saxony recorded 1,764 whooping cough cases in 2024, a tenfold increase from the previous year and the highest figure since 2014.
Schleswig-Holstein saw its highest number of cases since 2013, with 529 infections reported in 2024, up from 68 in 2023.
Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt also reported significant increases, with Thuringia registering nearly 1,500 cases in 2024, three times the number from 2023.
Experts attribute the rise to post-pandemic immunity gaps, declining vaccination rates, and delayed booster shots, particularly among school-aged children and young adults.
Health officials urge vaccination, especially for infants, pregnant women, and their close contacts, as the disease poses severe risks to newborns and vulnerable populations.