Overview

• Over 18,500 cases of whooping cough have been reported in the U.S. this year, marking the highest level since 2014.
• The disease primarily affects infants and young children, but recent outbreaks have also been seen in older children and teens.
• Vaccination rates among kindergartners have dipped, with exemptions at an all-time high, contributing to the increased spread.
• States like Wisconsin and Ohio have seen significant rises in cases, with Ohio experiencing the fastest growth rate.
• The CDC emphasizes vaccination as the best protection, especially for pregnant women to protect newborns who are too young to be vaccinated.