A resident from Pasadena contracts pertussis, also known as whooping cough, after spending time at a children's museum.

Contagious Whooping Cough Spreads Across the U.S., With California Hitting a High in Years

A resident from Pasadena contracts pertussis, also known as whooping cough, after spending time at a children's museum.

The Pasadena Public Health Department has recently announced a surge in whooping cough cases, with a local resident testing positive after visiting the Kidspace Children's Museum last week. This isn't just a local issue, though, as whooping cough cases nationwide have nearly doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year, with over 8,470 cases reported according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Whopping Cough Cases on the Rise in California

California is one of the states bearing the brunt of this whooping cough surge. Health officials have warned the public, especially those who visited Kidspace from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 25, to monitor themselves and their household members, particularly children, for symptoms like a runny nose, low-grade fever, and difficulty breathing.

In California, whooping cough cases have quadrupled from 644 in 2023 to 2,753 in 2024, as reported by the state health department. Unfortunately, this trend isn't unique to California, as two babies in Louisiana and a 5-year-old in Washington have lost their lives to this preventable illness in the past six months.

Combating Whooping Cough: Vaccines and Immunizations

While there are vaccines available to protect against whooping cough, temporary disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to its resurgence. After all, our much-needed recovery from the pandemic wasn't as swift as we had hoped, and we lost the herd immunity protection we relied upon.

Vaccines like the DTaP series protect babies as early as 2 months old and are required for school-entry immunizations across all 50 states. A booster shot is recommended for pregnant women, but despite this, experts attribute the uptick in infections to decreasing vaccination rates.

Unfortunately, anti-vaccine sentiment has been on the rise in the U.S., leading to pockets of under-vaccinated children and increased susceptibility to preventable diseases. As vaccination rates continue to drop, we risk losing the herd immunity protection that keeps us all safe.

This article is a compilation of information highlighting the recent surge in whooping cough cases and the need for increased vaccination rates to combat this contagious and potentially dangerous illness.

Additional Resources

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Enrichment Insights

1. Post Pandemic Vaccination Gaps: Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to an increase in whooping cough cases due to delayed vaccinations and under-vaccinated children.
2. Vaccine Hesitancy and Low Vaccination Rates: Pockets of low vaccination rates exist due to factors such as religious beliefs or distrust of vaccines. These areas can become hotspots for outbreaks.
3. Seasonal Patterns: Whooping cough cases tend to increase during the summer and fall, potentially exacerbating the current surge.
4. Connection to Decreasing Vaccination Rates: The surge in whooping cough cases is likely a result of pockets of low vaccination rates, which compromise herd immunity and allow the disease to spread more easily.
5. In Los Angeles, the rise of contagious whooping cough cases has become a significant concern, echoing the national trend in the U.S.
6. Over the years, California's airways have had to cope with not only whooping cough but also an influx of other respiratory conditions, straining the state's healthcare system.
7. The culture of California encourages a proactive approach to health, with a focus on wellness, even as the state grapples with challenges like chronic diseases, cancer, and skin conditions.
8. As whooping cough cases surge, healthcare providers in California scramble to provide therapies and treatments for affected individuals while maintaining safety protocols due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
9. The San Fernando Valley, a region within Los Angeles, has seen a spike in whooping cough cases, causing local healthcare facilities to ramp up screening and testing efforts.
10. The increasing number of whooping cough cases in California has raised concerns about the healthcare infrastructure's ability to manage an outbreak in tandem with other public health crises, such as mental health issues and neurophysiological disorders.
11. In the realization that a strong healthcare system relies on workplace-wellness initiatives, many California-based companies have invested in programs that promote fitness and exercise, nutrition, and overall health and wellness.
12. A recent study conducted by environmental scientists in California has revealed a link between climate change and the resurgence of certain infectious diseases like whooping cough, highlighting the urgent need for action against climate change.
13. The rise of whooping cough cases has also affected the manufacturing industry, as more employees take sick leaves or work from home to prevent the spread of the disease.
14. The interior design sector in California is adapting to the shift in working patterns by offering solutions for home offices, aiming to create comfortable and productive workspaces.
15. In the world of entrepreneurship, California serves as a hub for innovative businesses focusing on technologies such as artificial intelligence, data and cloud computing, and fintech.
16. The San Francisco Bay Area, a key hub for the aerospace industry, is home to numerous Silicon Valley companies that are working on developing vaccines and diagnostic tools to combat contagious diseases like whooping cough.
17. The retail sector in California has been impacted by the surge of whooping cough cases, with stores implementing new safety measures to protect customers and employees alike.
18. Meanwhile, the fashion industry has started displaying masks, hand sanitizers, and other protective items as a part of their product line, reflecting the new normal in the post-pandemic era.
19. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and whooping cough resurgence, California's environment is increasingly becoming a subject of interest and study in environmental science circles.
20. As California steps up vaccine distribution efforts, certain medical-conditions and chronic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and respiratory conditions, may require exemptions due to risks associated with vaccines.
21. The finance industry, keen to ensure a stable and healthy workforce, is closely monitoring the impact of whooping cough on the economy while advising individuals on personal finance matters, such as saving, debt management, and investing.
22. The energy sector in California is also addressing the issue, as companies actively explore cleaner, more eco-friendly energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment and public health.
23. Skin-care brands in California, recognizing the links between overall health and skin health, have started emphasizing the importance of hygiene and natural ingredients in their products to boost the immune system and protect against contagious diseases.
24. California's leadership, conscious of the interconnectedness of various industries, is promoting diversity and inclusion to ensure a coordinated effort in addressing the surge of whooping cough and other public health challenges.
25. In response to the surge, smart-home devices have gained popularity among California residents, offering solutions for vetting visitors, sanitizing surfaces, and maintaining air quality.
26. Cybersecurity firms in the state are also on high alert, protecting personal and sensitive data amidst the increased demand for remote work and digital health records.
27. With a rise in remote work, the role of technology assumes greater importance, with California technology companies working to create user-friendly platforms for telemedicine, remote learning, and remote work.
28. The rise in whooping cough cases has triggered a focus on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, with California residents turning to a variety of wellness trends such as yoga, meditation, and dieting for boosting their immunity.
29. Aside from vaccines, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system against contagious diseases like whooping cough.
30. Small businesses in California, especially those in the health-and-wellness sector, are experiencing a new wave of growth due to the increased focus on personal health and safety.
31. The stock market, a barometer of the national economy, has been relatively stable despite the rise of whooping cough cases, thanks to steady investment in key industries like finance, technology, and healthcare.
32. Venture capitalists, recognizing the significant challenges posed by contagious diseases in today's ever-evolving world, are actively seeking startups that tackle public health issues, such as developing innovative therapies, treatments, and preventive measures.
33. Real estate agents in California are navigating a unique landscape as the rise of whooping cough cases may impact buyers' preferences regarding location and living conditions.
34. In response, some California real estate developers have started incorporating sustainable practices and amenities like smart home devices, while maintaining strict cleaning and hygiene standards.
35. California's banking and insurance industries are working closely with consumers to address concerns about affordability and access to essential services such as healthcare, insurance, and loans during these challenging times.
36. The fintech sector is playing a vital role in streamlining services and offering innovative solutions for personal finance management, debt management, and wealth management in a rapidly changing world.
37. The California economy is diverse, with industries ranging from agriculture to aerospace to entertainment, creating a wealth of job opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
38. This resilient and dynamic economy has led to career growth in various industries, as professionals strive to make a meaningful impact in addressing public health challenges like the surge in whooping cough cases.
39. California's private equity firms are strategically investing in industries that drive innovation and improve public health, ensuring that the state continues to lead the way in addressing global challenges and shaping the future.

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