Whooping cough is not just a problem from the past. This highly contagious illness is back, and cases are climbing across the country, including here in Louisiana. Cases are on track to hit a record number this year, and sadly, there have been two reported deaths from it, the first since 2018.
So what is whooping cough, exactly? Also known as pertussis, it’s a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits — the kind that can make it hard to breathe, sleep or even eat. It gets its name from the “whooping” sound some people make when gasping for air after a coughing spell.
The biggest concern with this illness is for babies and young kids. They’re more likely to get seriously sick from it, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. But teens and adults can catch it too, often spreading it without knowing. It spreads through coughing, sneezing or even talking. Think about how many people you’re around in a day, at school, work, church, the grocery store. It’s easy to see how a bug like this gets around fast.
Early symptoms can seem like a regular cold — runny nose, low fever, and mild cough. But after a week or two, the cough can turn into full-blown fits that last for weeks, sometimes even months. It’s not just a nuisance. Whooping cough can lead to pneumonia, cracked ribs, and in the worst cases, hospitalization.
The good news is we can protect ourselves and each other. Vaccines are the best way to keep whooping cough from spreading. Most kids get the DTaP vaccine as part of their regular checkups, but teens and adults, especially pregnant women, may need boosters. And yes, even if you’ve had whooping cough before, you can get it again. That’s why staying up to date on vaccines matters, especially if you’re around babies or people with weaker immune systems.
If you or your child has a persistent cough, especially one that ends with a “whoop” sound or vomiting, it’s time to check in with your doctor. The earlier whooping cough is caught, the easier it is to treat and stop from spreading.