Whooping Cough Cases Surge in Texas Amid Declining Vaccination Rates
Health officials in Texas have reported a sharp rise in pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, with more than 1,200 confirmed cases recorded in the first six months of the year—roughly four times the number reported during the same period last year. The increase has prompted the Texas Department of State Health Services to issue a statewide health alert, warning that children under five are particularly vulnerable.
At the same time, state vaccination data show a noticeable dip in coverage for the DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The latest figures indicate that only about 78% of Texas children have completed the recommended series, falling short of the roughly 90% level needed to maintain herd immunity. Health analysts attribute the decline to a combination of vaccine hesitancy, logistical challenges in rural areas, and disruptions caused by the pandemic.
In response, the health department has launched a public information campaign urging parents to verify their children's immunization status and to seek timely boosters. Schools are being asked to review enrollment records and to request documentation of up‑to‑date vaccinations, with some districts considering temporary exemptions for unvaccinated students during outbreaks. Officials emphasized that the DTaP vaccine remains the most effective tool for preventing severe cases and limiting community spread.
Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease, can cause prolonged coughing fits, vomiting, and, in severe cases, pneumonia or death—especially among infants too young to be fully vaccinated. Nationwide, the United States has seen periodic spikes in pertussis over the past decade, often linked to lapses in vaccine uptake. Texas now ranks among the states with the highest recent case counts, underscoring the broader public‑health implications of declining immunization rates.
Looking ahead, state health leaders plan to collaborate with pediatricians, community organizations, and local media to improve vaccine accessibility and public confidence. Experts suggest that targeted outreach in underserved areas, coupled with school‑based vaccination clinics, could help reverse the downward trend. Continued monitoring will determine whether the current surge stabilizes as vaccination efforts intensify.
