Guam has confirmed its first laboratory case of whooping cough, known scientifically as Bordetella pertussis, for the year 2026. The announcement, made by the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) on January 8, follows a year in which at least seven cases were reported in 2025. Public Health officials are now conducting an epidemiological investigation and contact tracing to identify the source of this latest infection.
Understanding Whooping Cough and Its Risks
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacterial infection. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for up to ten weeks, often culminating in a distinctive high-pitched “whoop” sound when the individual breathes in. Symptoms may also include vomiting and extreme fatigue. The disease poses significant risks, particularly for infants, who may suffer from complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and in severe cases, brain damage. Alarmingly, some infants may not display typical coughing symptoms but instead experience apnea, which involves life-threatening pauses in breathing.
In light of this confirmed case, the DPHSS continues to monitor respiratory illness trends across the island to protect public health. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest surveillance data and historical statistics through the official Guam Communicable Disease dashboard, accessible at https://elc.guam.gov/epi-reports.
Vaccination Recommendations
Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the DPHSS is urging the public to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides specific vaccination guidelines:
- DTaP vaccine: For children under 7 years, one dose is recommended at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, as well as at 4-6 years.
- Tdap vaccine: For children aged 7-10 who are not fully vaccinated, one dose of Tdap is required. A booster dose should be administered at age 11-12.
- For adolescents aged 11-18 who have not previously received Tdap, a single dose is recommended, preferably at age 11-12.
- Adults aged 19 and older who have not received Tdap or whose vaccination status is unknown should also receive a single dose.
- Pregnant women are advised to receive one dose during each pregnancy, ideally between 27-36 weeks of gestation. If not administered during pregnancy, it should be given immediately after delivery.
The DTaP and Tdap vaccines are available for eligible children at various DPHSS locations:
Northern Region Community Health Center: To schedule an appointment, call (671) 635-7412/7456/7547.
Southern Region Community Health Center: For appointments, call (671) 828-7623.
Additional information on clinic hours and locations can be obtained by calling the Bureau of Family Health and Nursing Services at (671) 634-7408.
As health officials work to contain this outbreak, public awareness and adherence to vaccination guidelines remain critical in preventing the spread of whooping cough in Guam.
