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Texas health officials are sounding the alarm over a spike in common childhood illnesses.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DHSH) revealed this week that the number of pertussis cases in the state is nearly four times higher than this time last year.
According to preliminary data, there will be more than 3,500 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in Texas by October 2025.
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According to DHSH, this is the second year in a row that the state has reported a significant increase in cases and the second year in a row that a health alert has been issued.
Anyone can get pertussis, but children under 12 months of age are most at risk. (St. Petersburg)
Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease respiratory infections It is caused by Bordetella pertussis, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
At first, it starts like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough, but symptoms progress over time. severe cough attack It may end with a high-pitched “whooshing” sound as the person gasps for air.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease typically goes through three stages: cold-like symptoms, a severe cough, and gradual recovery.
Experts say testing, treatment and timely vaccination remain the best defense against whooping cough. (St. Petersburg)
Anyone can get whooping cough, but complications are most severe in: Babies under 12 months. Infants are more likely to be hospitalized and face even greater risks if they are immunocompromised or unvaccinated.
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Symptoms in infants may not include the typical “whooshing” sound, and instead may include difficulty breathing or stopping breathing, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Officials say the number of cases this year is four times higher than the number of cases confirmed in Texas at this time last year. (St. Petersburg)
Teens and adults can also become infected because the protection provided by vaccines often wears off. Symptoms are usually mild.
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The CDC recommends pertussis vaccination for all ages, and Texas health leaders emphasize the need for everyone to stay up-to-date on information to prevent weakened immunity.
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pregnant woman Health officials say that while it is recommended that newborns receive Tdap vaccination during pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, to protect them, adults who have close contact with infants should also be vaccinated at least two weeks before exposure.
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Clinicians are encouraged to test anyone showing symptoms consistent with whooping cough, but can also initiate treatment based on “strong clinical suspicion” or exposure. PCR tests are preferred because they are rapid and widely available.
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early treatment Regardless of vaccination history, officials say this is key to preventing severe illness and stopping the spread.
