(CNN) — Pertussis cases have been surging in the United States in recent months, and the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows no signs of slowing down.
According to preliminary figures, more than 32,000 cases have been reported so far this year. data Since mid-December — about six times more than this time last year and more than ever From 2014.
Whooping cough, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. For many people, bacterial infections begin with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, a slight fever, and a tickling cough, but may develop into a painful, generalized cough 1 to 2 weeks later. These coughing attacks can be severe enough to cause patients to vomit or break ribs, and are often accompanied by whistling sounds as they try to catch their breath.
This cough can last for weeks to months and can spread infectious bacteria for several weeks after the cough begins. However, for some people, the infection is so mild that they may spread the disease without knowing they are infected.
As with many respiratory diseases, the number of pertussis cases declined to low levels during the pandemic as people limited social interactions and took other precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19. The number of reported cases of pertussis peaks every few years, and the latest trends suggest the U.S. is returning to pre-pandemic trends, the CDC said.
But the number of reported cases has risen sharply in recent months, more than doubling since mid-September, according to CDC data. About a quarter of all cases have been reported in the Midwest region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Pennsylvania has reported more cases than any other state.
Whooping cough can cause severe symptoms in people of all ages, but children under the age of 1 are especially susceptible because their immune systems are still developing. This is especially true for infants and young children who have not received all recommended vaccines.
The CDC says vaccination is the best way to prevent whooping cough. The agency recommends the DTaP vaccine for children and the TDaP vaccine for adolescents and adults.
However, child vaccination rates fell; Only about 92% of kindergarteners received the DTaP vaccine in the 2023-2024 school year, below the federal goal of 95%, leaving thousands of schoolchildren vulnerable. Protection is also possible for vaccinated people fade over time.
Antibiotics can treat the infection, but only if it occurs within the first few weeks before the tiring and painful cough develops. In that case, the only treatment is comfort care with plenty of rest and hydration until the infection resolves.
As the United States enters the winter season, widespread respiratory disease activity is relatively mild. surveillance data Levels of COVID-19 infections are starting to rise from low levels, suggesting that flu levels also continue to rise.
CNN's Brenda Goodman contributed to this report.
CNN Wire
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