Whooping Cough Cases Surge: Blame Low Vaccination Rates

You might think whooping cough is a thing of the past, but think again. This nasty infection is making a comeback, and health officials are worried. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that whooping cough cases are at a decade-high, with six times more cases this year compared to last. Harris County is feeling the brunt of it, with 52 cases reported so far, nearly double the count from last year. Houston isn't faring much better, with 26 cases already this year. Even Galveston County, which had no cases last year, is seeing an alarming rise. Dr. Linda Yancey, an Infectious Disease Specialist at Memorial Hermann Hospital, is among the doctors on edge. "Everyone in public health is very concerned about pertussis, " she said. Whooping cough, caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, spreads through the air and starts like a common cold. But it gets worse, leading to intense coughing fits that can spread to others if not treated. In adults, it can cause mild to severe coughing, but in babies under a year old, it can be deadly. Why the surge in cases? The pandemic has taken a toll on vaccination rates, and as these rates drop, whooping cough cases are rising. Yancey advises simple steps to stay safe, like wearing masks in crowded places, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding sick people. But the best defense? Get vaccinated.