Michigan Sees Sharp Increase in Whooping Cough Cases

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases are on the rise in Michigan and families with young children are urged to take measures to safeguard themselves.

What is Whooping Cough?

The Mayo Clinic defines whooping cough as a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that is often marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake breath that sounds like a 'whoop.'

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Pertussis used to be considered a childhood disease before a vaccine was developed. Today, it primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations and adults and even teenagers whose immunity has faded.

Whooping Cough in Michigan

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan averaged 596 cases of Pertussis each year between 2017 and 2019. In 2024, there have already been 830 confirmed or probable cases reported to the state, as of October 28.

The median age for those reported cases is 13, with 75% occurring in people under 18.

 Vaccinations Against Whooping Cough Recommended

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian is the Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan. She says that vaccinations against the disease are down in our state, which explains the increase in the number of cases.

"Vaccinations continue to be our top line of defense against the spread of pertussis," Bagdasarian says. "We encourage all Michiganders to stay up to date with their immunization schedule."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pertussis vaccines for infants, children, adolescents, and women who are pregnant. Anyone who hasn't received a vaccination as an adult or adole3scnet is also encouraged to get vaccinated.