TOPEKA – Kansas health authorities are watching a jump in whooping cough cases across the state this year, which is one of the largest increases in case counts in almost a decade.
27 News spoke with Jill Bronaugh, a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), who stated that the department has been tracking an increase in pertussis, better known as whooping cough, since late summer of 2024. Cases of whooping cough are on the rise across the country, with near-record levels expected by the end of the year.
“This is the highest number of whooping cough cases reported since 2015,” Bronaugh informed the audience. “The trend of increased cases is occurring nationally, as well, with preliminary data showing more than six times the cases compared to this time last year.”
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Bronaugh said that 246 cases of whooping cough had been confirmed as of December 18. The KDHE had issued a warning about a rise in cases on September 17, indicating that 98 cases of pertussis had been confirmed as of September 13, compared to 41 instances at the same time last year.
“KDHE has sent several communications regarding the increase in cases to those in the healthcare community and to encourage the consideration of pertussis when diagnosing and treating people for respiratory illness,” Bronaugh said the audience. “KDHE also aids in public health investigations by offering guidance on the proper isolation and treatment for individuals infected with pertussis and identifying those at high risk for illness to ensure they receive preventive care.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of whooping cough can include a runny or stuffy nose, a slight temperature, and an occasional cough. People infected with pertussis will experience more severe symptoms one to two weeks after the initial symptoms begin, which may last several weeks. These symptoms may include:
Coughing fits.
Vomit during or after a coughing spell.
Feeling fatigued during or after coughing spells.
Sleeping is difficult.
Struggling to breathe.
Coughing bouts cause broken ribs.
According to the CDC and KDHE, young children are most likely to contract whooping cough infections. Babies may acquire a life-threatening disease known as apnea, which causes them to stop breathing.
“Babies younger than one year of age are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough and having severe complications from it,” according to Bronaugh. “People who have pre-existing conditions, including immunocompromising conditions and moderate to severe medically treated asthma, are also at high risk for getting a severe infection.”
According to Bronaugh, those infected with whooping cough can spread the bacteria for several weeks after coughing begins and if it is not treated. People with whooping cough may only exhibit moderate symptoms and be unaware that they have it, yet they can still spread it.
“The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated,” Bronaugh told the crowd. “It is advised that everyone get the pertussis vaccine at least once, and possibly more frequently depending on their age and whether they are pregnant. People who come into contact with someone who has whooping cough may be prescribed antibiotics to avoid becoming ill. Good cleanliness, especially during the respiratory illness season, can help prevent the transmission of numerous germs and viruses, including pertussis.