The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported a notable increase in pertussis, also known as whooping cough, across the state in 2025. Provisional data shows that more than 3,500 cases have been reported through October, which is about four times higher than the same period last year. This marks the second consecutive year with a substantial rise in cases and the second straight year that DSHS has issued a health alert.
“The best way to protect against pertussis is immunization. Parents should ensure children are up-to-date on pertussis immunizations, and pregnant women and others who will be around newborns should get a booster dose to protect babies from what can be a deadly infection. Clinicians should consider pertussis in people with compatible symptoms and report all suspected cases to the local health department within one work day,” according to DSHS.
Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and spreads easily from person to person. Early symptoms resemble those of a common cold but may progress after one or two weeks to severe coughing fits, sometimes causing vomiting or a distinctive “whoop” sound during inhalation. Infants might not show classic coughing fits but could experience gagging, gasping, vomiting, breathing difficulties, or even turn blue.
Vaccination remains the primary method for preventing pertussis. However, immunity from vaccination can decrease over time, so individuals—especially those who will be around infants—should stay current with their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends administering Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks gestation to help protect newborns.
While vaccinated individuals can still contract pertussis, they often experience milder symptoms without the characteristic “whoop.” Serious complications are most likely in infants under one year old; about one-third of these babies require hospitalization if infected.
DSHS notes that recent trends show pertussis activity had decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since rebounded sharply. In 2023 there were 340 reported cases in Texas; this increased to 1,907 last year—with over half occurring in November and December—and more than 3,500 so far this year. Preliminary data indicates roughly 85 percent of this year’s cases involve children.
Testing for pertussis involves collecting specimens before treatment begins using nasopharyngeal culture or PCR assay methods. Treatment should start early—ideally within three weeks after cough onset—to reduce severity and prevent further spread. First-line therapy includes a five-day course of azithromycin; other antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin may also be used depending on patient factors.
Public health guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for household contacts of infected individuals and others at high risk—including infants under twelve months old or people with certain pre-existing conditions—within specific timeframes following exposure.
In healthcare settings, droplet precautions are advised until patients have completed five days of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Healthcare workers should use masks and face protection when caring for suspected or confirmed cases.
People suspected of having pertussis should remain home from work, school, daycare, or public events until they finish five days of antibiotic treatment as required by state regulations.
Healthcare providers must report suspected pertussis cases to local health departments within one work day per Texas law.
To help control outbreaks in group environments like schools or childcare centers, only household members and high-risk contacts typically receive preventive antibiotics unless otherwise indicated by public health officials monitoring transmission patterns.
DSHS encourages everyone to review their vaccination status regularly—especially pregnant women—and practice good hygiene such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs or sneezes. Those exposed to someone with pertussis should consult healthcare providers about preventive medication options.
