MSDH issues pertussis health alert

The Mississippi State Department of Health says cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have sharply risen in Mississippi this year.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It can cause serious breathing problems and even life-threatening complications, especially in babies.

As of July 10, 80 cases have been reported so far this year in the state, up from 49 for all of 2024. No deaths have been reported.

Pertussis is a disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughs that make it hard to breathe. It most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies under 1 year old.

Seventy-six percent of this year’s cases have occurred in children less than 18 years of age, including seven cases in infants less than 2 months old.

Of the 73 cases that were age-eligible for pertussis vaccination, 28 were not vaccinated. Among those unvaccinated, 23 were less than 18 years old. Of the 10 hospitalized, seven were children less than 2 years old.

While cases have been reported statewide, 40 percent were identified in northeast Mississippi.

Vaccination, one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against pertussis, is recommended for everyone.

More information is available on the Mississippi State Department of Health website.