Texas Reports Spike in Whooping Cough Cases, Health Alert Issued for Second Year
By: Caroline Denning
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.
- 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.
