Alarming Surge in Whooping Cough Cases Across New York, Marking 1,500% Spike

A dangerous uptick in whooping cough cases is raising alarm across New York with infections increasing at an unprecedented rate. Health officials report that cases of the disease - also known as pertussis - have jumped by an astonishing 1,500% since 2021.

So far in 2025, the number of infections has already surpassed 7,000 nationwide, which is more than double the figure recorded during the same time frame last year. This resurgence is the most significant in over a decade.

Whooping cough is a severe respiratory illness caused by bacteria and it spreads easily through airborne droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze. Particularly vulnerable are infants under one year of age, who are at the highest risk of serious complications.

The disease is named for the distinctive “whooping” sound people often make while gasping for breath after prolonged coughing fits. These episodes can last several weeks and lead to exhaustion, vomiting, or even hospitalization, especially in children.

In addition to the surge in cases, deaths linked to pertussis are also on the rise. As of early May 2025, there have already been 10 reported fatalities, compared to just two to four deaths in typical recent years, according to data reviewed by ProPublica.

Experts are pointing to declining childhood vaccination rates as a key factor behind the outbreak. Since the 2020, routine immunizations have dropped leaving more children unprotected from once-controlled diseases like pertussis and measles.

Health agencies, including the New York State Department of Health and local public health departments, are urging parents to ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations. They stress that children in daycare and pre-kindergarten environments are especially susceptible and should be fully immunized to prevent transmission.

Alarming Surge in Whooping Cough Cases Across New York, Marking 1,500% Spike