Whooping cough cases rising ‘dramatically’ in MS, experts say. How to protect your child
Cases of pertussis, a contagious respiratory infection more commonly known as whooping cough, are on the rise in Mississippi — reaching record highs for the past 15 years, health experts said.
Reports of the illness have “dramatically increased” across the state this year, climbing to 130 cases as of Nov. 5, the Mississippi State Department of Health said in a news release.
“We are more susceptible to respiratory viruses — including pertussis, influenza, RSV and COVID — during the fall and winter,” the agency said in the release.
Here’s what to know about whooping cough and how to protect yourself and others from the illness this season.
What is whooping cough? Symptoms?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious infection that can cause breathing issues and complications that are especially life-threatening in babies, according to the MSDH.
In 2025, the illness has mostly affected children between 5-and 17-years-old, according to state data.
Early symptoms of the illness often feel like a cold, but they can become more serious and last for weeks, according to the MSDH. These are the symptoms to look out for, according to the agency:
- Runny nose
- Mild cough
- Low fever
In more severe cases, the infection can lead to the following complications, according to the agency:
- Breathing difficulties
- Pneumonia
- Hospitalization
- Death
Why are whooping cough cases on the rise?
Whooping cough cases have sharply increased in many places across the United States after seeing lows during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The infection is highly contagious and could be spreading more rapidly in part because of a decrease in respiratory illness protection measures, according to experts.
“It’s likely mitigation measures during the pandemic (e.g., masking, remote learning) lowered transmission of pertussis,” the CDC said.
Resistance to the antibiotics used to treat the illness is also becoming more common, leading to more cases, according to the agency.
Since the best way to prevent whooping cough is by getting vaccinated, according to the CDC, another cause of spread could be a decrease in vaccination rates.
In 2024, Mississippi’s kindergarten vaccination rates dropped to fourth in the nation as approved religious vaccination exemptions rose, Mississippi Today reported in May.
The state was ranked last in a Sept. 2025 WalletHub study for state vaccination rates overall.
How to protect yourself from the illness
Whooping cough is often spread through older children, teens and adults who get the infection but have mild symptoms, MSDH experts said.
Here are three ways to protect yourself from the illness this season, according to the MSDH.
1. Get vaccinated.
2. See a doctor if your baby or child has a persistent cough.
3. Seek treatment early to prevent the spread and severity of symptoms.
