Wisconsin sees rise in whooping cough cases in 2024

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says as of July 1, Wisconsin has had 126 cases of whooping cough, much higher than all of last year, which saw only 51 cases in the badger state.

“Wisconsin, just like we’ve seen throughout the United States, have seen about three times as many cases of whooping cough this year when compared to last year. The numbers that we are seeing are very similar to what we saw pre-pandemic in about 2019,” says Gundersen Health System Infection Preventionist Brian Simmons.

Simmons says numbers show whooping cough cases go on the rise every three to five years. He says that the rise this time around may be partially caused by effects from the covid pandemic.

“Something else now that’s leading to potential more cases is possible vaccine hesitancy due to individuals maybe not getting their vaccine at normal time when they’re supposed to or some people just not getting their younger children vaccinated because of the pandemic concerns,” says Simmons.

Simmons says whooping cough is caused by a bacteria that most commonly enters through a person’s mouth or nasal passages.

“That bacteria goes down into the lining of the upper lining of your respiratory system and into your throat. That lining becomes a little bit inflamed from some toxins that are released from that bacteria,” says Simmons.

Gundersen health officials say DTaP and Tdap vaccines are the best way to prevent yourself from getting the whooping cough. While whooping cough can affect all ages, there is more cause for alarm among health officials for young children.

“We get more concern about young children, especially those under the age of one, that haven’t had a chance to be vaccinated and or those that haven’t completed a vaccine series,” says Simmons.

Simmons adds signs of whooping cough are feelings of a common cold that last over a week and violent coughing.

Gundersen health officials say ways to help yourself when diagnosed with whooping cough are antibiotics, rest, and good hygiene.