The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has issued a health alert for pertussis, also known as whooping cough, for the second consecutive year. From January through October, more than 3,500 cases have been reported throughout the state. Initial data indicate that 85% of cases are pediatric.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection, according to KidsHealth, an educational partner of Cook Children’s Health Care System. In children and adults, whooping cough often presents as a common cold in the early stages, with symptoms that could include congestion, fever, and a cough.

Alice Phillips, M.D., director of Ambulatory Quality and Safety at Cook Children’s Health Care System, explains that in infants, a coughing fit may cause them to struggle to catch their breath. They breathe in as hard as they can to get oxygen, creating the characteristic “whooping” noise. 

“In Texas, as of October 2025, there have been over 3,500 cases of whooping cough reported compared to 1,907 in 2024,” said Dr. Phillips. “With most cases occurring historically in November and December, more is likely to come.”

Children less than a year old are most at risk of complications, with infants less than two months old being at the highest risk. However, immunizations can protect the most vulnerable, Dr. Phillips explains.

“Vaccination is key to protecting your child,” said Dr. Phillips.

The Tdap and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine protects people from diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Dr. Phillips explains the difference between the two: DTaP is for children younger than 7 and Tdap for patients older than 7. 

Vaccine Recommendation:

As of October 2025, Cook Children’s Health Care System had 28 admissions due to whooping cough, with seven being infants less than 2 months old.

“Because of this, it is recommended that all adults caring for newborns receive a whooping cough vaccine booster,” said Dr. Phillips.

Adults do not present the same symptoms as children, making them vulnerable to giving an infant whooping cough. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vaccines for protection.

Vaccine schedule:

• DTaP for infants: receive vaccines at 2, 4, 6, and 15 months.
• DTaP for Children: receive boosters to maintain their immunity at ages 4 and 6 years.
• Tdap for Children: 11 to 12 years.
• Tdap for Adults: Recommended during pregnancy or for adults who will be around newborn babies.

Treatment: Since bacteria cause whooping cough, antibiotics are the trusted standard of care by physicians, but early recognition is important for the best response to treatment and to prevent spread.

Symptoms: Infants may experience symptoms like struggling to breathe, unexpected intervals where breathing stops, and apnea.

Prevention:  In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other ways to prevent the spread of whooping cough.

• It is recommended to stay home for at least five days after starting antibiotics or at least 21 days if not treated.
• Washing your hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with a sick person.

If you think your child has pertussis or has been exposed, contact your pediatrician. If difficulty breathing occurs, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Yep, it’s possible and it’s probably true. It might make you anxious. But, it might not mean there is anything to worry about.

Most children with a cough that lasts one week or less have viral infections which do not require antibiotics.

But what about when the cough lasts longer?

In a recent study of nearly 900 children seen for upper respiratory infections (most commonly cough and congestion), 3 out of 4 children continued to have cough at one week. We already know that, early in life, children have an average of 10-12 respiratory infections per year. Combine that with this new data and it’s possible your child could have some amount of cough nearly half of the time and still not have a significant underlying condition.

So, how long until you should be concerned?

In this study, 1 out of 4 children with upper respiratory infection continued to have cough at 4 weeks. Those children were evaluated by a pediatric pulmonologist and, at that point, were much more likely to be diagnosed with a bacterial infection or an underlying lung disease (such as asthma).

So, should you wait four weeks? Not necessarily. Consider these features which might mean that a trip to the doctor for cough is warranted:

1. Does the child have a history of respiratory illness such as asthma?

2. Is the child showing any signs of difficulty breathing?

3. Is the child drinking OK or otherwise acting sick with symptoms such as: fever, decreased activity or other symptoms?

4. Is the cough worsening after the first week?

If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” give your pediatrician a call.