FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — It’s been a busy respiratory illness season for doctors in Central California. But that’s not the only sickness that doctors are dealing with.
Whooping cough is also at the top of mind for health leaders.
“Fresno County is seeing preliminary 66 cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis,” said Leticia Berber, a Health Educator with the Fresno County Public Health Department. “Last year we had 23 by the end of the year.”
The early numbers are a concern for Fresno County health leaders. Berber explains they’re seeing cases in babies and children up to four-years-old.
“Whooping cough is highly contagious, especially when the cough starts,” said Berber.
Pertussis causes intense coughing attacks which creates that high-pitched “whooping” sound. The fits can be so strong it can even lead to vomiting or even body aches.
“A common cough usually lasts one to two weeks and it gradually declines,” said Berber. “However, when a whooping cough starts, it gets worse with time to a point where an individual cannot breathe normally.”
CDC data shows in 2024 there were more than 35,000 pertussis cases nationwide. Last year saw just over 28,000.
Federal health leaders say while whooping cough have trended down since a peak in November 2024 cases remained elevated for 2025. That’s why health leaders stress vaccination for babies and booster shots for older children and adults.
“The booster vaccine starts at 11 to 12 years of age,” said Berber. “That’s when a child starts seventh grade and the t-DAP vaccine is recommended for seventh graders. If they don’t keep up with those boosters, whooping can come back if we see those boosters weren’t given to adults.”
It’s recommended that adults get a booster shot every 10 years. Berber also urges women who are pregnant also get a dose of the tDAP vaccine, to help boost immunity to pertussis.
Health experts stress preventative action can stop the spread from getting worse.
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