News Summary
The Mississippi State Department of Health has issued a health alert over a notable increase in pertussis cases, with 80 recorded this year, up from 49 in 2024. The surge primarily affects children, with 76% of cases occurring in individuals under 18. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure to combat this highly contagious disease?
Jackson, Mississippi – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has issued a health alert in response to a significant rise in pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, cases throughout the state. As of July 10, 2025, a total of 80 cases have been recorded so far this year, marking an alarming increase compared to the 49 cases documented in all of 2024. This surge has raised concerns among health officials, but thankfully, no deaths related to pertussis have been reported in 2025.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is particularly dangerous for infants and young children. The disease is most recognizable by the uncontrollable, violent coughs that can make it difficult for affected individuals to breathe. Most of the current cases—76%—have occurred in children under the age of 18, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations. Notably, seven infants under 2 months old have been diagnosed, placing them at an elevated risk of serious health complications.
Out of the 73 cases that were age-eligible for vaccination against pertussis, 28 involved unvaccinated individuals. Among this group, 23 cases were in children under the age of 18. Additionally, out of 10 patients who required hospitalization, seven were younger than 2 years old. These statistics underscore the importance of vaccination, particularly given that pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The geographical spread of pertussis cases is noteworthy, with approximately 40% of the reported cases emerging from Northeast Mississippi. In light of this information, health authorities continue to advocate for vaccination as the most effective preventive measure against this illness.
Pertussis Vaccination Recommendations
The MSDH recommends that children receive the DTaP vaccination, which protects against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus, at the following intervals: 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with additional booster shots administered at 15 to 18 months and again at 4 to 6 years. Pre-teens should receive the Tdap booster at ages 11 to 12, while pregnant women are advised to receive a single Tdap dose during the 27th to 36th week of pregnancy, which helps provide protection to newborns immediately after birth.
Moreover, family members and close contacts of infants are encouraged to receive booster shots to reduce the risk of transmission. It is important to note that immunity from vaccination can diminish over time, which is why adhering to the vaccination schedule is crucial.
Treatment and Prevention
For individuals diagnosed with pertussis, timely treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and limit further transmission. Health officials recommend administering antibiotics within the first three weeks of the onset of cough symptoms for those aged 1 year and older, and within six weeks for infants and pregnant women.
The MSDH offers vaccines for children and uninsured adults at county health departments across Mississippi. Appointments can be conveniently made through the MSDH website or by calling (855) 767-0170. Parents who are unsure about their child’s vaccination history have options for verification through the MyIR service, their pediatrician, or by contacting the MSDH Immunization Office at (601) 576-7751.
Background of Pertussis
Pertussis is characterized by severe coughing spells that can often lead to vomiting and a “whooping” sound when the person breathes in. The disease can be particularly deadly in babies less than one year old, with the highest incidence of complications and fatalities occurring in this age group. This alarming increase in pertussis cases in Mississippi serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and awareness in protecting both individual health and community safety.
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Additional Resources
- WAPT: Mississippi Health Officials Warn of Rising Pertussis Cases
- WLBT: MSDH Issues Whooping Cough Health Alert
- Fox13 Memphis: Whooping Cough Cases in Mississippi Nearly Doubled
- WCBI: Department of Health Releases Alert on Whooping Cough
- WTVA: Mississippi Issues Public Warning on Whooping Cough
- Wikipedia: Pertussis
- Google Search: Whooping Cough Mississippi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pertussis
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