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.<\/p>\n
Whooping cough is also at the top of mind for health leaders.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Whooping cough is highly contagious, especially when the cough starts,” said Berber.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
CDC data shows in 2024 there were more than 35,000 pertussis cases nationwide. Last year saw just over 28,000.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Health experts stress preventative action can stop the spread from getting worse.<\/p>\n
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