Key Highlights
- More than 3,500 cases of whooping cough have been reported in Texas so far this year.
- This is the second consecutive year with high increases in pertussis cases in Texas.
- About one-third of babies younger than 12 months with pertussis need hospital treatment.
- Vaccination rates for infants and children are declining, contributing to the rise in cases.
Whooping Cough Cases Skyrocket in Texas
A significant surge in whooping cough cases has been reported in Texas this year, with more than 3,500 cases documented as of November 12, 2025. This number is nearly four times higher compared to the same period last year and represents the highest count since 2013.
Second Year of High Incidence
This marked increase in pertussis cases follows a trend observed over the past two years, where Texas has seen substantial year-over-year rises. The state’s health agency has issued a health alert for the second consecutive time to address this growing public health concern.
Impact on Youngest Infants
The disease is particularly dangerous for infants under six months old, who are too young to be fully vaccinated against pertussis. Approximately one-third of babies under 12 months with the condition require hospitalization. The high rate of hospitalizations underscores the severity and potential life-threatening nature of the illness.
Reasons Behind the Rise
The sharp rise in cases can be attributed to declining vaccination rates for the disease, both in Texas and across the country. According to federal figures, about 92 percent of kindergarteners received their pertussis vaccine (DTaP) during the 2024-25 school year, down from around 95 percent before the pandemic. While vaccination doesn’t guarantee complete protection, it significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and helps control the spread.
Health experts emphasize that immunization remains the best preventive measure against whooping cough.
The DTaP vaccine is recommended for infants and children to ensure maximum protection. The series includes five shots: three given at 2, 4, and 6 months old; another between 15 and 18 months; and a final dose before entering school.
As the state continues to grapple with this public health challenge, ongoing efforts focus on improving vaccination rates among vulnerable populations. Health authorities are encouraging parents to ensure their children receive all necessary vaccinations to prevent further spread of the disease.
The resurgence of whooping cough cases in Texas highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination levels and underscores the need for continued vigilance in public health measures. As the year draws to a close, experts predict that numbers will likely continue to grow unless effective interventions are implemented promptly.
