This article was posted on the WJTV Morning Show. Read more here.
The number of whooping cough cases have more than doubled across the United States. While cases in Mississippi are more sporadic, there’s still cause for concern.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 8,000 whooping cough cases have been reported in the state as of May 15, 2025.
Children under the age of five are the most at-risk of contracting the disease, also known as pertussis. However, teenagers and adults also have to take precautions.
“Unvaccinated adults are also at risk for within coughs. The more severe coughs, that can lead to respiratory distress and hospitalization,” said Valerie Morris, a nurse practitioner with TrustCare Madison.
In order to protect young children from whooping cough, Morris said begin vaccinated is important.
“Vaccination is the best prevention for whooping cough. Children under 12 months are not fully vaccinated for it, so adults and adolescents and older children. Getting vaccinated is really important to prevent those younger infants from getting whooping cough,” she said.
The U.S. began widespread vaccines in the 1940s, and the disease almost disappeared. However, the CDC reported cases have been rising since 2016. Several deaths from whooping cough have already been reported in 2025.