Whooping Cough Kills Two Children, California Cases Near 700

Two children have died from whooping cough in the United States so far in 2026, according to public health data. The disease is already spreading rapidly, with California reporting more than 700 confirmed cases through Week 21 of the year. Summer typically marks the peak of pertussis outbreaks, and case counts historically rise through September. The CDC has confirmed 4,598 total cases nationally, a number that could grow as the season progresses.

Infants under 12 months are the most vulnerable group. They often lack full immunity from the DTaP vaccine, which requires three doses given at 2, 4, and 6 months. Deaths from whooping cough are nearly always tied to this age group, whose immune systems are not yet mature. Protection for these infants depends heavily on the vaccination rates of those around them, as they cannot be vaccinated themselves until later.

Five states—California, Washington, Ohio, Florida, and Oregon—have each reported over 200 cases this year. The International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health attributes the surge to “insufficient immunization coverage.” Data from 2025 shows only 20% of children under 6 who contracted pertussis had completed their DTaP series, a troubling statistic given the disease’s high contagiousness.

Vaccination rates have dropped slightly in recent years. This small decline, however, has significant consequences. Pertussis spreads easily during the early catarrhal stage, which resembles a common cold. By the time symptoms worsen—marked by violent coughing fits and the characteristic “whooping” sound—many infants are already infected.

The CDC urges healthcare providers to consider pertussis in any patient with a persistent cough, especially infants and caregivers of newborns. Antibiotics can reduce the contagious period and ease symptoms if administered early. Families are advised to ensure all household members and visitors are up to date on their vaccines.

Immunity from DTaP and Tdap vaccines wanes over time, which is why boosters are recommended for adolescents and adults. For parents, the most critical step is to protect newborns from exposure to anyone with a cold or cough. Immediate medical attention is vital if an infant shows cold-like symptoms, particularly a lingering cough.

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Public health officials emphasize that vaccines remain the most effective tool against whooping cough. Despite recent declines in vaccination rates, the disease’s impact remains severe. As the summer season intensifies, the focus shifts to preventing outbreaks through education, timely treatment, and ensuring high vaccination coverage across all age groups.