UPDATE: Texas is grappling with a devastating surge in whooping cough cases, with 3,500 infections reported this year, marking an alarming 11-year high. Tragically, two infants have died from the disease in Louisiana, underscoring the urgent nature of this public health crisis.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed that this spike comes as vaccination rates decline, leaving children particularly vulnerable. Health experts warn that the next two months could see even more cases, as previous years indicate a rise in whooping cough during the holiday season.
Dr. Hector Ocaranza, a pediatrician and member of the Texas Medical Association, expressed serious concerns: “We are seeing a year-after-year trend of a significant increase in cases when this is preventable.” He highlighted the severe risks the disease poses to infants and those with chronic conditions.
As of October, Texas has reported over 3,500 cases of whooping cough—four times the figure from the same timeframe last year, which saw only 1,907 cases. The current count is also ten times higher than the total for all of 2023. Public health officials are on alert, having issued a health warning for the second consecutive year.
Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist at UT Health San Antonio, warned that the festive period heightens the risk of transmission. “Parents with newborns should feel empowered to set boundaries during holidays to protect their children,” he stated, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
The situation is compounded by national trends, with over 35,000 confirmed cases reported across the U.S. in 2024, a dramatic rise from 7,063 cases in 2023. This surge has led to the tragic loss of lives, including children in South Dakota and an adult in Idaho.
Dr. Leilani Valdes, chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Citizens Medical Center, noted that while periodic spikes in whooping cough are not uncommon, the scale of this outbreak is unprecedented. “Public health officials are keeping a close eye on this unusual increase,” she added.
With more than half of last year’s infections occurring in the final two months of the year, health officials anticipate that the number of cases will continue to rise. As families prepare for the holiday season, the Texas Department of State Health Services urges parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and to take precautions against possible exposure.
What’s Next: The health department’s next steps include increased public awareness campaigns focusing on vaccination and hygiene practices to curb the spread of the disease. Families are encouraged to stay informed and proactive as this situation develops.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation unfolds in Texas.
