Whooping cough cases rise in Champaign Co., mirror national trend

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Whooping cough cases are on the rise, according to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD).

Most of the cases in the county have been among high school and university students.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pertussis cases are increasing nationwide, with over six times the number of cases reported this year compared to 2023. CUPHD said it's seeing a similar trend in Champaign County, with a total of 26 cases reported so far this year.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a very contagious illness that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, especially in households and indoor settings where people are in close contact with someone who has pertussis. Symptoms typically appear five to 10 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. The illness often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold—runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever—but can progress to severe coughing fits ending with a "whooping" sound.

CUPHD said that staying up to date with routine vaccination is the best way to protect against pertussis. Most children are immunized against pertussis with a series of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine doses, but immunity wanes during adolescence. Since 2005, the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) booster vaccine has been available for children, adolescents and adults. It is recommended routinely at ages 11–12.

Vaccinating women with Tdap during each pregnancy, ideally in the early third trimester, is critical to protecting newborns. This practice shields 9 in 10 babies from hospitalization due to whooping cough during their first months of life when they are too young to be vaccinated.

Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose, followed by a booster every 10 years to maintain protection.

CUPHD provides pertussis vaccines and boosters to individuals of all ages, Monday through Friday, at 201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign. To schedule an appointment, call 217-531-4317.