The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported a significant rise in pertussis, commonly 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 number seen during the same period last year. This marks the second consecutive year with high increases and another health alert issued by DSHS.
According to DSHS, “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.”
Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and spreads easily from person to person. Early symptoms often resemble those of a common cold before progressing to severe coughing fits that can persist for weeks or months. Infants may show different symptoms such as gagging or turning blue rather than coughing fits.
While vaccination remains the primary method of prevention, DSHS notes that people who have been vaccinated can still contract pertussis since immunity fades over time. Vaccinated individuals tend to experience milder symptoms if they become infected.
Infants under one year old face the highest risk for severe complications from pertussis; about one-third of babies younger than 12 months who contract the illness require hospital treatment.
Recent data indicate that after unusually low case numbers during and just after the COVID-19 pandemic, both Texas and national figures for pertussis have rebounded sharply. In Texas, there were 340 reported cases in 2023; this rose to 1,907 last year—over half occurring in November and December—and has surpassed 3,500 so far this year. Approximately 85 percent of current cases involve children.
Vaccination continues to be recommended for all age groups by public health authorities such as DSHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC advises that pregnant women receive Tdap vaccination during each pregnancy between weeks 27–36 gestation to help transfer protective antibodies to their infants before birth—a step shown to reduce risk of whooping cough in very young babies by nearly 80 percent.
Adults expected to have close contact with infants are also urged to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and should do so at least two weeks prior to contact with newborns.
For those showing possible signs of infection—such as persistent cough or known exposure—testing via nasopharyngeal culture or PCR assay is advised before starting any treatment. Early treatment with antibiotics like azithromycin can lessen severity and limit further spread; alternative medications may be considered based on individual patient needs.
Specific recommendations exist regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), especially for household contacts, infants under twelve months old, people with certain health conditions exacerbated by respiratory illness, pregnant women in their third trimester, or those working in settings where vulnerable populations are present.
Healthcare workers treating suspected or confirmed cases are instructed to use droplet precautions until patients complete five days of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Suspected patients are told not attend work or public places until completing antibiotic treatment.
Texas law requires prompt reporting of suspected pertussis cases by healthcare providers within one work day so public health authorities can respond quickly.
