The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is raising awareness about pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, following a noticeable increase in cases throughout the state, including an ongoing outbreak in Sheridan County.

In the last few weeks, WDH has documented at least 10 cases of pertussis in Sheridan County, along with additional cases reported in Campbell, Johnson, and Lincoln counties. “This brings our total to 18 confirmed cases for the year, and we are still only in February,” stated Clay Van Houten, manager of the infectious disease epidemiology unit at WDH.

Nationally, the incidence of pertussis has risen significantly in recent months, with 19 confirmed cases in 2024 alone. In comparison, there were no reported cases in 2023 and just two in 2022. It’s important to note that actual case numbers may be higher, as many infections go unrecognized or unreported. To address this concern, WDH issued an advisory to healthcare providers in December 2024, highlighting the surge in infection rates.

“Any increase in pertussis cases is concerning, particularly due to the risk it poses to infants,” Van Houten explained. More than half of infants under one year old diagnosed with whooping cough require hospitalization, and the illness can sometimes be fatal.

“Fortunately, we have not yet seen any hospitalizations of infants in Wyoming because of pertussis this year. However, we are aware of large outbreaks in other states over the past two decades that resulted in infant fatalities, and we want to avoid a similar situation here,” he added.

Van Houten emphasized the importance of the Tdap booster vaccine for adolescents and adults, particularly those who are in close contact with newborns, such as parents and grandparents. “If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s advisable to discuss the Tdap vaccine with your healthcare provider to help safeguard your baby,” he advised. “Infants are particularly vulnerable and have yet to receive the protective benefits of a pertussis vaccine.”

“Alongside our commitment to protecting infants, we also urge all residents to stay current with their pertussis vaccinations,” said Van Houten. “Individuals who contract pertussis despite having been vaccinated are typically less likely to experience severe symptoms.”

Pertussis typically starts with symptoms that resemble a cold, accompanied by a mild cough. Often, the disease isn’t suspected or diagnosed until a severe coughing fit, characterized by spasms, develops after one or two weeks. Both infants and children may cough intensely, producing a distinct “whooping” sound.

“The lower incidence of pertussis in the U.S. in recent decades can be attributed to widespread immunizations, which have generally slowed its transmission,” Van Houten noted.

For more information on pertussis, visit the [Wyoming Department of Health website](https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/pertussis/).