Cases of whooping cough have increased about six-fold since the same time period last year, according to new data provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a recent update.
"Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic," the CDC added. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year."
Some mitigation measures that were used during the COVID-19 pandemic such as social distancing and mask-wearing may have lowered the transmission of whooping cough, the CDC said.
The agency then touted vaccinations but stressed that cases of the disease, caused by a bacteria that primarily infects the upper respiratory tract, can lead to more cases in "both in unvaccinated and vaccinated populations."
"Pertussis occurs in vaccinated people since protection from vaccination fades over time," it said. "Local and state health departments are familiar with these patterns. They're also efficient at responding to increasing pertussis cases and implementing appropriate control strategies."
"Those who get these coughing fits say it's the worst cough of their lives," the CDC says.
If people suspect they or a family member has whooping cough or has been exposed, they should call their doctor, clinic, or nurse and ask to be diagnosed.