As whooping cough cases continue to soar in West Virginia, experts are emphasizing the critical need for residents to get vaccinated. With 199 reported cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, this year, West Virginia is witnessing the highest incidence of this disease since 2010. As of December 15, a concerning 76 of these cases were still active, reflecting a significant increase from just 46 cases reported last year (source: https://oeps.wv.gov/healthalerts/Documents/WV/WV%20HAN%20231.pdf).
Dr. Lisa Costello, a pediatrician and associate professor at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, points out that this alarming rise in whooping cough cases has led her to treat affected children for the first time in her career. "Whooping cough was not something we encountered frequently before," she explains. "However, with the current surge, we are unfortunately seeing more instances, particularly among infants who are at greater risk for severe symptoms due to their developing immune systems and smaller airways."
The symptoms of whooping cough often begin like those of a common cold, starting with a runny nose and a mild cough. However, the cough can escalate to severe fits, characterized by a distinctive sound as the child struggles to breathe. This can lead to vomiting after coughing episodes, which is distressing for both the child and caregivers.
Dr. Costello urges anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. "Testing is crucial, as immunization remains our most effective strategy to combat pertussis," she states. For individuals who test positive, antibiotics are available, and preventive antibiotics are recommended for close contacts to minimize the spread of the infection. The sooner treatment begins, the better, she emphasizes.
It’s important to note that while adults may experience milder symptoms, they can unknowingly transmit the illness to more vulnerable populations, such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised. Indeed, this year, Kentucky has reported tragic cases where three unvaccinated infants died from whooping cough complications (source: https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/11/25/third-unvaccinated-kentucky-baby-dies-of-whooping-cough/).
In West Virginia, kindergarten students are required to receive a combination vaccine that includes diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. Although vaccination rates among school-aged children remain relatively high, the state faces challenges with lower vaccination rates in preschool-age children (source: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2025-10/Status-of-Childhood-Immunization-in-West-Virginia.pdf). Dr. Costello highlights that infants under one year old are particularly at risk, as many of them have not yet started their vaccination schedules, making areas like childcare facilities potential hotspots for disease transmission.
To mitigate the risks associated with whooping cough, Dr. Costello advocates for adults, especially those who interact with high-risk individuals, to keep their vaccinations up to date. She shares a personal anecdote, stating, "When my daughter turns four in the New Year, I ensure that everyone visiting her has received an updated Tdap vaccine to protect her from increased risk. Additionally, I received my vaccination during my third trimester to help safeguard my baby."
Expectant mothers can pass on protection to their newborns through vaccination, allowing the babies to build immunity until they can start their own vaccination series. "It’s vital for individuals of all ages to discuss their vaccination needs with their healthcare providers," Dr. Costello concludes, reminding us all of the importance of staying informed and proactive regarding immunizations in the fight against whooping cough.
