Oregon – With an unheard-of increase in whooping cough cases, Oregon has reached a peak not seen in three-quarters of a century. With over 1,100 cases reported in 2024, the state has surpassed the previous high of 910 cases documented in 2012. This year’s figures mark the most severe outbreak since 1950, when 1,420 cases were reported.
As of December 30, 2024, the Oregon Health Authority reports that there were 1,105 pertussis cases overall—also referred to as whoop cough. Although the FDA has found 44 different outbreaks, most infections were not connected to these clusters but rather spontaneous, occurring in individuals or within families.
Mostly affecting youngsters, who account for the bulk of the cases, this highly contagious respiratory disease is making comeback. Unfortunately, the state has seen eight pertussis-related deaths since 2003; five infants under four months old and three adults have been among them; two of the adult deaths this year.
Read also: Public Utilities Commission approves significant rate increases for Pacific Power and PGE customers
The median age of those affected in 2024 has been reported as 12 years, with infants less than a year old comprising 7.2% of the cases. Notably, half of the affected people are female and almost 80 percent of those impacted are 18 years of age or under.
The complex nature of the pandemic is shown by the fact that, despite the concerning increase in cases, almost half of Oregonians impacted this year were current with their pertussis immunizations. With 315 occurrences, Lane County boasts the greatest prevalence; Multnomah County follows with 235; Clackamas County has 135. With 119 and 75 cases apiece, Washington and Marion counties also reported notable numbers.
As the main defense against pertussis, public health professionals underline the need of immunization. Recommended for babies at 2, 4, and 6 months, the DTaP vaccination protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; follow-up doses are 15 to 18 months and one more between the ages of 4 and 6. Furthermore encouraged to have a single dose of the Tdap vaccination are everyone ten years of age and above.
Special emphasis is also placed on vaccinating pregnant individuals. To prevent pertussis in newborns, the Health Authority advises the Tdap vaccination between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. This approach guarantees that women provide their children with protective antibodies, therefore protecting them from the disease from the time of delivery.
Read also: Oregonians should prepare for major changes in recycling rules and new regulations
Health officials are calling for more awareness and adherence to vaccination schedules as Oregon struggles with this severe whooping cough pandemic to stop more spread of this potentially fatal disease.
