MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is reporting a significant increase in cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, across Wisconsin. State and national data shows case numbers are approaching pre-pandemic levels. To help prevent the spread of infection and prevent severe illness and hospitalization, DHS urges Wisconsinites to make sure they and their children are up to date on whooping cough vaccines and take other steps to stay healthy.
As of Sept. 13, the Department of Homeland Security had been notified of 625 confirmed cases of whooping cough, with 51 cases reported so far this year. Two-thirds of Wisconsin counties have reported at least one case since Jan. 1. While whooping cough can be contracted at any age, Wisconsinites between the ages of 11 and 18 account for nearly half of the cases reported so far this year.
“While it’s not uncommon for Wisconsin to see more whooping cough cases compared to other years, this year we’ve already seen more than 10 times the number of cases reported in all of 2023,” said Dr. Stephanie Schauer, DHS immunization program manager. “Pertussis can be very serious, especially for infants. The best way to protect yourself and others is to keep your vaccines up to date.”
Whooping cough is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia and even death, especially in young children. It starts with cold-like symptoms and develops into a severe cough that can last for months. The cough can cause difficulty breathing, retching, and vomiting. Some people may have a high-pitched whooshing sound after coughing. It is very important to treat this illness early. Anyone with symptoms of whooping cough should stay home and contact their health care provider and follow their instructions. Anyone with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek medical attention immediately.
The whooping cough vaccine is a great way to prevent the disease or reduce the severity of symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends different vaccinations for different age groups.
• Children should receive five doses of the DTap vaccine between the ages of 2 months and 6 years.
• Adolescents ages 11 to 12 should receive one dose of the Tdap vaccine.
• Adults who have never received the pertussis vaccine should receive one dose of the Tdap vaccine.
• Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during each pregnancy to protect their newborns before they are old enough to receive the Tdap vaccine.
Wisconsin residents can find their immunization records using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). Those who do not have access to their records should contact their doctor’s office or local health department.
Wisconsin residents who don’t have health insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccinations may be able to get assistance from the Childhood Vaccine Program or Adult Vaccine Program.
Other everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs:
● Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
● Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
● If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
● Avoid being around people who are sick.
● Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and encourage your children to do the same.
For more information, visit the DHS whooping cough webpage.
