San Diego City Wire

County public health officials in San Diego are observing a rise in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, this year. The increase is significant compared to 2023 and even more so when compared to the years from 2020 to 2022.

So far, there have been 547 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis reported in San Diego County this year. This is an increase from the 332 cases recorded in all of 2023. The ages of those affected range from less than one month to 85 years old, with most cases occurring among individuals aged 11 to 17. No deaths from pertussis have been reported in San Diego County since 2016 or in California since 2019.

“Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, pertussis activity continues to increase, and we are seeing an upswing in cases that on track to returning to pre-pandemic numbers,” said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, Interim County public health officer. “We are working with local health care professionals and educators to stress the need for everyone to be up to date with their vaccinations.”

Dr. Kadakia emphasized the importance of vaccination for pregnant women and people who have close contact with young infants. Newborns are particularly vulnerable because they are too young for full vaccination. Vaccination during the third trimester is crucial for pregnant women to protect their unborn children.

A typical case of pertussis begins with a cough and runny nose lasting one to two weeks, followed by rapid coughing fits that may last weeks or months and sometimes end with a whooping sound. Fever is usually mild if present at all. Infants under one year old face the highest risk for severe complications such as apnea, which involves periods of not breathing. The last death related to pertussis in San Diego County was a five-week-old infant in 2016.

Antibiotics can reduce symptom severity and prevent disease spread, but vaccination remains effective at reducing severe complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidelines on vaccination schedules:

Parents can obtain DTaP vaccine series and Tdap booster vaccines through primary care physicians or local retail pharmacies for a fee. Those without medical insurance can receive vaccinations at minimal or no cost from a County Public Health Center.

For more information about whooping cough and ongoing vaccination clinics, call the HHSA Immunization Branch at (866) 358-2966 or visit www.sdiz.org.