Whooping cough, also known as Pertussis, is becoming more common in the United States in 2025. According to health reports, more than 8,000 cases have been identified earlier this year, which is more than double the number of cases reported during the same time as last year.
This growth means that many people, especially young children and infants, are at greater risk of getting sick. We will explore in this article what is meant by a whooping cough, how it spreads, and why early detection is important.
Understanding whooping cough
Whooping cough is a severe bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways. This is caused by a germ called Bordetella pertussis. When this germ enters the body, it connects to the lining of the respiratory tract and produces toxins. These toxins cause the airways to swell, causing long and severe coughing conditions. After these fits, people often have difficulty catching their breath, which produces the famous “whooping” sound.
Whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants under the age of one year. Because their immune system is not fully developed, they are at high risk of complications. Some of these complications may include pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, or even death. Pregnant women, elderly people, and people with weak immune systems are also at high risk.
- How a whooping cough spreads from person to person: Whooping cough spreads very easily. When a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, or interacts, small drops containing bacteria go into the air. If another person breathes in these drops, they may become infected. This is the reason that at homes, schools, daycare centers, and other places where a cough spreads quickly.
What symptoms to look out for
Whooping cough symptoms usually develop in stages. At first, the illness may seem like a simple cold, but over time, the cough becomes much worse. Early testing and treatment can help stop the infection from spreading and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Here is what to watch for:
Early-stage symptoms (first one to two weeks)
In the beginning, a whooping cough looks like a cold. Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Low fever
- Mild cough
- Occasional sneezing
- Feeling tired
Later stage symptoms (two to six weeks or longer)
As the illness progresses, the cough becomes more severe. Symptoms include:
- Severe coughing fits that make it hard to breathe
- A high-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling after a coughing spell
- Vomiting after coughing fits
- Feeling extremely tired after coughing
Special warning signs in babies
Babies may not have the typical cough or whoop. Instead, look for:
- Pauses in breathing (apnea)
- Turning blue or purple around the mouth
- Trouble feeding
- Unusual sleepiness or weakness
Why are whooping cough cases increasing in 2025
This year, many factors are contributing to increasing whooping cough cases.
One of the main reasons is that childhood vaccinations or previous infections reduce the immune system over time. Many teenagers and adults may no longer have strong protection, making it easier to spread to communities for the disease. In fact, data suggests that in 2025, more than 50 percent of the cases are mentioned in people above 10 years of age when compared to the previous year.
Another reason is that fewer people are getting their booster vaccines. Pregnant women, adults working with young children, and healthcare workers are going to get booster shots, but many have not placed with these vaccinations. This creates more opportunities for the spread of bacteria.
Finally, after precautions related to pandemic in schools, offices, and crowded public places with people, this disease is more likely to spread from person to another.
Why testing for whooping cough is essential
Getting tested for whooping cough is important if you or your child has had a cough lasting more than two weeks, or if you have been exposed to someone with the disease. Early testing helps doctors confirm the infection and start treatment, which can:
- Reduce how severe the illness becomes
- Lower the risk of complications
- Prevent spreading the infection to others, especially babies
Testing is done using a swab from the nose or throat. Most doctors use a test called RT-PCR that looks for genetic material from pertussis bacteria. This test works best in the first three weeks of coughing.
In some cases, doctors may also order a respiratory panel. This type of test checks for whooping cough along with other infections like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other viruses. This is helpful because these illnesses can cause similar symptoms.
How Devansh Lab Werks helps with accurate and fast testing
Devansh Lab Werks offers advanced testing services that make it easier for doctors and clinics to detect whooping coughs and other respiratory illnesses. Their respiratory panel includes testing for pertussis along with other common viruses and bacteria like influenza, COVID-19, RSV, adenovirus, and rhinovirus.
One of the main benefits of using Devansh Lab Werks is that they provide quick and accurate results. This means doctors can start the right treatment without delay. Devansh Lab Werks also offers a high testing capacity, serving hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, and pediatric practices across more than twenty states in the United States. The lab works with electronic medical records, so test results are sent directly to the healthcare provider’s system.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones
The best way to protect against whooping cough is through vaccination. Children should get the DTaP vaccine as part of their routine childhood shots. Adults should receive a Tdap booster, especially if they are around babies or work in healthcare settings. Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect their newborns.
In addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good hygiene. This includes covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands regularly, and staying home if you are sick to prevent spreading the infection to others.
If you or your child develops a long-lasting cough, or if you have been exposed to someone with a whooping cough, see your doctor and ask whether testing is needed.
Conclusion
Whooping cough is a serious but preventable illness. The rise in cases during 2025 shows why staying up to date on vaccinations and seeking medical care when symptoms appear is so important. With accurate testing from labs like Devansh Lab Werks and early treatment, we can protect our families and communities from the dangers of pertussis.