Whooping Cough Cases Are Rising Again In The U.S.

11 weeks ago Preliminary data from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says the U.S. has seen 8,485 cases of whooping cough in 2025. That's twice as many cases as this time last year, based on the CDC’s final tally. Rates of whooping cough started soaring last year after falling during COVID-19 because of masking and social distancing. Experts say the recent outbreaks of preventable airborne illnesses like measles and whooping cough could be indicative of changing attitudes toward vaccines. The shots, which also protect against diphtheria and tetanus, are given to infants at two months, fourth months and six months. The CDC recommends adults get follow-up doses every 10 years.