Coughing fits from this illness can result in a broken rib

It’s a cough that can be heard from across the classroom. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, cases continue to rise among school age children and teens. The highly contagious respiratory illness gets its name from the noise someone makes while gasping for air after a coughing fit. And when those coughs or sneezes spread bacteria through the air, more people become sick.

In 2024, whooping cough trends continue to accelerate nationwide and have already returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, reported waves of cases 5 to 10 times higher than those recorded in 2023.

Although classrooms are an easy place for germs to spread, Dr. Kevin Dahlman, the medical director of Aurora Children’s Health, warns newborns are at greatest risk for whooping cough.

“The pertussis vaccine is part of the DTaP series, which begins as early as 2 months of age,” explains Dr. Dahlman. “If an unvaccinated newborn were to get whooping cough, they may end up in the hospital, and, furthermore, need a ventilator.”

Newborns and infants with whooping cough may develop life-threatening pauses in breathing or pneumonia. Babies who contract whooping cough are often infected by older siblings, parents or caregivers who don’t know they have it, according to the CDC.

Cause and symptoms

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria that attach to the cilia that line the upper respiratory system. The bacteria then release toxins, which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.

Symptoms can vary based on age and the person’s vaccination status. Early symptoms can look like a common cold, with a runny or stuffed-up nose, low grade fever and occasional cough. Later, symptoms can evolve and become more severe.

“The telltale sign is coughing until the point of gagging or throwing up,” says Dr. Dahlman. “These coughing fits can also result in a broken rib.”

Vaccines and treatment 

Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics, but, as Dr. Dahlman reiterates, vaccines are available. There are two types of combination vaccines that include mild protection against whooping cough: DTaP, which is available for young children, and the Tdap booster, which is available for preteens and adults. The Tdap booster is also ruled safe for pregnant women.

When it comes to fending off any type of illness, using good personal hygiene can help limit the spread of bacteria. These habits include proper hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze, and avoiding being around others when you feel sick.

Are you trying to find a pediatrician? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.