TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas health officials are monitoring a spike in whooping cough cases around the state this year, marking one of the biggest increases in case numbers in nearly a decade.
27 News checked with Jill Bronaugh, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), who said the agency has been monitoring a rise in pertussis, also known commonly as whooping cough, since the late summer of 2024. Whooping cough cases are increasing nationally, reaching near record numbers as the year comes to an end.
"This is the highest number of whooping cough cases reported since 2015," Bronaugh said. "The trend of increased cases is occurring nationally, as well, with preliminary data showing more than six times the cases compared to this time last year."
Bronaugh said 246 cases of whooping cough have been confirmed as of Dec. 18. The KDHE previously issued a warning about an increase in cases on Sept. 17, stating that 98 cases of pertussis were confirmed as of Sept. 13 compared to 41 cases at the same point in time last year.
"KDHE has sent several communications regarding the increase in cases to those in the healthcare community and to encourage the consideration of pertussis when diagnosing and treating people for respiratory illness," Bronaugh said. "KDHE also aids in public health investigations by offering guidance on the proper isolation and treatment for individuals infected with pertussis and identifying those at high risk for illness to ensure they receive preventive care."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports on its website that symptoms for whooping cough may start out as a runny or stuffed nose, a small fever and an occasional cough. People infected with pertussis will notice more severe symptoms one to two weeks after the first symptoms appear which can last for several weeks. These symptoms can include:
Young children are most at risk of whooping cough infections, according to the CDC and KDHE. Babies may develop a life-threatening condition called apnea which causes them to stop breathing.
"Babies younger than one year of age are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough and having severe complications from it," Bronaugh said. "People who have pre-existing conditions, including immunocompromising conditions and moderate to severe medically treated asthma, are also at high risk for getting a severe infection."
Bronaugh said people infected with whooping cough can spread its bacteria for many weeks after coughing begins and if it remains untreated. People may also only show mild symptoms and may not know they have whooping cough but are able to spread it to others.
"The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated," Bronaugh said. "It is recommended that everyone gets the pertussis vaccine at least once, and maybe more often depending on your age and whether you are pregnant. People in contact with someone with whooping cough may be recommended to receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick. Especially during respiratory illness season, good hygiene will help prevent the spread of many bacteria and viruses, including pertussis."
The KDHE recommends people who think they are infected with whooping cough have a healthcare provider test, diagnose and provide care. For more information on getting vaccinated for whooping cough, click here.
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