Key Takeaways

The U.S. recorded 6,600 pertussis cases in early 2025

Texas has already passed 3,500 cases this year

Falling vaccination rates and waning immunity are driving the surge

THURSDAY, Nov. 20, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Whooping cough is making a major comeback in the United States, with sharp increases now seen in Texas, Florida, California, Oregon and many other places.

Health officials say the latest rise in pertussis cases is being driven by falling vaccination rates, waning immunity and slower public health tracking systems.

What's more, officials say, is that babies remain the most vulnerable.

"Pertussis cases increase in a cyclical fashion driven by waning immunity," Dr. Demetre Daskalakis , former head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)

See Full Page