LA County whooping cough cases are rising. Here’s what you should know

Angelenos are getting whooping cough more often than last year, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

There have been over 260 cases of the disease so far in 2024. That’s around 83 cases higher compared to October 2023.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that anyone can catch, but it’s more dangerous to babies younger than 1 year old.

The rise is likely normal

Health officials caution that the counts may be an underestimation since there could be reporting delays, or infected people who don’t get a medical diagnosis.

But generally, it appears that the increase is a return to more normal activity after the pandemic, rather than signs of a whooping cough outbreak.

“Pertussis cases are on the rise both nationally and in Los Angeles County yet remain below pre-pandemic levels,” the department said in a statement.

The county saw 1,678 pertussis cases in 2019, which is far below what we’re currently experiencing. However, the increase this year is likely due to relaxed pandemic protections, like masking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that, nationally, we’re returning to pre-pandemic patterns, with more than 18,000 cases reported this year.

Signs of whooping cough

People can get exposed through someone else’s coughs or sneezes. Signs typically show up about a week after.

Early symptoms can mimic a common cold, which is why doctors may not catch it until more serious symptoms develop. These beginning signs in adults and children include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Watery eyes
• Low-grade fever
• Mild cough

Babies are at the highest risk for whooping cough because their immune systems are still developing. They often don’t cough at all and can instead develop apnea, which causes them to struggle to breathe and turn blue. Infants can also have a hard time drinking liquids and may gasp or gag.

For everyone else, the signs can change into sudden coughing fits after a couple of weeks. These attacks can cause vomiting and exhaustion. This stage can last up to 10 weeks, according to the CDC. Very serious symptoms can cause brain damage or death, but that’s less common.

A telltale sign is the high-pitched “whoop” cough when a person inhales, though adults may not show it.

The fits can become so disruptive that it affects their sleep, or so dangerous they struggle to breathe. If the person starts coughing violently, seek medical help.

What you can do

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics, while babies are usually treated at a hospital.

The good news is that whooping cough is one of the most common preventable childhood diseases, and there are tests and vaccines to help you prevent it.

The combination vaccines that include protection against whooping cough are:

• DTaP (for young children)
• Tdap (a booster shot for pre-teens and up)

The booster is needed because vaccine protection fades over time.