Massive Increase in Whooping Cough Cases for Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa

The Tri-State area of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa has witnessed a dramatic surge in whooping cough (pertussis) cases in 2024, with numbers skyrocketing compared to 2023. According to CDC data, these alarming increases reflect a concerning national trend as cases rebound to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, this increase has caused Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infections to rise, leading to more cases of "walking pneumonia."

The Numbers: Cases and Percent Increases in Whooping Cough

• Illinois: Pertussis cases jumped from 578 in 2023 to 1,807 in 2024, marking a staggering 213% increase.
• Wisconsin: Cases soared from 45 in 2023 to 2,080 in 2024, an extraordinary 4,522% increase, making it one of the hardest-hit states.
• Iowa: Cases rose from 51 in 2023 to 239 in 2024, an increase of 368%.

Across the U.S., whooping cough cases exceeded 25,000 as of November 2024, over six times the total from the same period in 2023. This resurgence highlights a return to typical infection patterns observed before the COVID-19 pandemic, where covid mitigation measures (masking, remote learning, excessive social distancing) had reduced its transmission significantly.

So, What Exactly is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms mimic a common cold but can progress to severe coughing fits, often with a high-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling. These fits can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and complications like pneumonia, especially in infants and unvaccinated individuals. There are several factors to consider when looking at this rise in cases:

• Vaccination Gaps: people fell behind on routine vaccinations during the pandemic. Even vaccinated individuals can contract pertussis as immunity diminishes over time. The CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for people of all ages.
• Increased Testing: heightened awareness and diagnostic efforts may be uncovering more cases than before.
• Increased Exposure: cases of whooping cough may go unreported making it easier to spread in high traffic areas (schools, hospitals/doctors' offices).
• Incorrect Diagnosis: Other respiratory bacteria and viruses often cause similar symptoms. Additionally, other bacteria and viruses can spread at the same time.

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What the Numbers Mean for the Tri-State Area

The stats across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa are fairly alarming. Wisconsin’s over 4,500% increase is particularly concerning, underscoring the need for robust public health responses and education, especially for children about proper sanitary measures and simple steps they can take to prevent spread. Schools, which are hotspots for outbreaks, are consistently notified to ensure compliance with state vaccination requirements. In Illinois, specific alerts have been issued to health providers for timely case identification and reporting. Iowa’s increase, while smaller, still signals a need for vigilance.

The CDC states that vaccination remains the most effective defense against pertussis. The DTaP vaccine is recommended for children under 7, while Tdap boosters are advised for older children, teens, and adults. Pregnant individuals are also encouraged to get vaccinated to protect newborns, who are at the highest risk of severe complications.

As cases continue to climb, health officials stress the importance of maintaining up-to-date immunizations and being aware of symptoms to prevent further spread. Public health strategies, combined with individual precautions, are crucial to curbing this alarming trend. For more information, visit the CDC’s pertussis page or contact your local health department.