Rib-Cracking Respiratory Illness Surges Across United States; Who Is Most At Risk Of Whooping Cough?

Many states in the US are reporting their highest number of whooping cough cases in the last ten years; Texas, Florida, California, Oregon and others are to name a few. Experts suggest that intervening early to treat whooping cough can make the illness less severe and even prevent spreading the bacteria that cause it to others.

Rib-Cracking Respiratory Illness In United States: Healthcare professionals are alarmed in the United States as whooping cough, also known as pertussis that spiked a 25 folds in the first three months of data when compared with the 2023 record. Texas reported the highest cases of whooping cough with 1928 patients being detected. According to KFF Health, as of October 2025 the state has surpassed 3500 cases.

Is It Because Of Waning Immunity Or Falling Vaccination?

Many states in the US are reporting their highest number of cases in the last ten years; Texas, Florida, California, Oregon and others are to name a few. Federal health officials reportedly say that the sudden spike in cases of whooping cough is due to reduced vaccination rates and waning immunity. Reports claim that the outbreaks stretching from Louisiana to Idaho are not confined to one area, but it's wide spread nationwide.

"Pertussis cases increase in a cyclical fashion driven by waning immunity, but the size of the outbreak and the potential for severe outcomes in children who cannot be vaccinated can be mitigated by high coverage and good communication to folks at risk," Demetre Daskalakis, former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization program, told KFF Health.

What Is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the disease is only found in humans. It explains, "Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell."

Mild To Severe Respiratory Symptoms

As the illness progresses after the first and second week of symptoms, infected people may develop coughing fits called paroxysms that last 1 to 6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. According to the CDC, coughing fits typically worsen as the illness continues and can cause people to:

• Vomit during or after coughing fits
• Trouble falling asleep at night
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fracture or break a rib
• Feeling exhausted after the fit and can lead a normal life in between fits.
• Make a high-pitched 'whoop' when they inhale after a coughing fit.

Who Is More At Risk?

Babies and young children are at higher risk of rib-cracking respiratory illness which can cause serious and sometimes deathly complications. The CDC states, "About 1 in 3 babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital. The younger the baby, the more likely they'll need hospital treatment."

Adults and teenagers may also get complications from whoopping cough like pneumonia. However, the severity of this respiratory illness is usually less serious when compared to the little ones.

Tips To Prevent

Medical practitioners typically treat whooping cough with antibiotics. But there are also several other treatments you can get or consult with a doctor before the respiratory illness becomes coughing fits.

Intervening early to treat whooping cough can make the illness less severe and even prevent spreading the bacteria that cause it to others. The CDC explains, "Starting treatment after three weeks of illness is unlikely to help even though most people will still have symptoms. By then, the infection is gone (the bacteria aren't in the body any longer). The ongoing symptoms are because the airways were damaged and take time to fully heal."