Cases of whooping cough are increasing in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there are over 17,600 cases now, up over 340% from last year. Before COVID-19, cases were usually over 10,000 per year, reaching 18,600 in 2019. After the pandemic, cases dropped, with only 2,100 in 2021.
The ten states with the most cases are Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, California, Wisconsin, Washington, Ohio, Texas, Oregon, and Arizona. The rise in cases may be due to decreased immunity from fewer previous exposures to bacteria and viruses.
Whooping cough can be severe in young kids with less developed airways. Vaccines like DTaP protect against it. Experts recommend seeking medical help if someone has symptoms. Antibiotics may be used for treatment, especially for severe cases. It’s vital to manage symptoms and monitor infants with the illness closely to prevent complications.
Globally, around 160,000 kids under 5 die from whooping cough yearly. It’s important to stay informed and seek medical care when needed.
Vocabulary List:
- Immunity /ɪˈmjunɪti/ (noun): The ability of an organism to resist infections or toxins.
- Complications /ˌkɑːmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ (noun): Secondary diseases or conditions that arise as a result of another condition.
- Exposures /ɪkˈspoʊʒərz/ (noun): The state of being subjected to a certain influence or condition especially harmful ones.
- Antibiotics /ˌæntɪbaɪˈɑːtɪks/ (noun): Medicines that inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria.
- Vaccines /ˈvækˌsiːnz/ (noun): Substances used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases.
- Severe /sɪˈvɪr/ (adjective): Of a serious nature; very bad or serious.
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