Texas health authorities have issued a public health alert following a dramatic surge in cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, marking the most significant outbreak in more than a decade. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), over 3,500 cases were reported statewide through October 2025, a figure that represents nearly a fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2024. The alert comes as the state enters the peak of respiratory virus season, raising alarm about the potential for further transmission during the colder months.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is particularly dangerous for infants, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The disease typically begins with cold-like symptoms—such as a runny nose, mild fever, and occasional cough—but progresses to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months. In infants, who often cannot mount a strong immune response, the illness can cause apnea (pauses in breathing), pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and in rare cases, death.
Health officials say this recent increase in pertussis cases is driven by several converging factors. One of the most concerning is a drop in vaccination rates across the state. DSHS reports that childhood immunization coverage has declined in recent years, due in part to vaccine hesitancy, pandemic-related disruptions in routine medical care, and logistical challenges in underserved communities. When vaccination coverage falls below a certain threshold, herd immunity weakens, allowing diseases like pertussis to resurge more easily. In addition to unvaccinated populations, those who have not received timely booster doses are also at risk, as immunity from the pertussis vaccine diminishes over time.
The surge also follows a period of historically low circulation of respiratory diseases during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With widespread masking, remote schooling, and social distancing, many viruses—including pertussis—were suppressed. However, the return to pre-pandemic levels of social interaction, coupled with relaxed public health precautions, has provided the conditions for such infections to rebound. Experts warn that this “immunity gap” created by reduced exposure to common pathogens may be contributing to increased vulnerability across all age groups.
Texas health officials are particularly concerned about the impact on school-aged children and newborns. Preliminary data from DSHS suggests that a large share of the 2025 cases has occurred among children, especially those attending schools or daycare centers where transmission can spread rapidly. Meanwhile, infants under six months old—who are too young to have completed their primary vaccine series—remain at the highest risk of serious complications. There have already been multiple reports of hospitalizations among infants in major metropolitan areas, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
In response, DSHS is urging parents and guardians to check their children’s vaccination records and ensure that they are up to date with the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine. The agency also recommends that pregnant women receive a Tdap booster during each pregnancy, typically between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. This maternal immunization strategy helps transfer protective antibodies to the newborn, offering critical early defense against infection. Family members, caregivers, and anyone in close contact with infants are also encouraged to receive booster shots to create a protective “cocoon” around the most vulnerable.
Clinicians are being advised to remain vigilant for signs of pertussis, particularly in patients presenting with persistent cough or respiratory symptoms that do not improve with standard cold remedies. Because early pertussis symptoms mimic those of other respiratory illnesses, timely diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. However, prompt antibiotic therapy can reduce severity and limit the spread to others, particularly in household and school settings. DSHS has instructed providers to report suspected or confirmed cases to local health departments as part of an expanded surveillance effort.
Beyond clinical settings, public health officials are also focusing on public education. Outreach campaigns are underway to raise awareness about pertussis symptoms, transmission risks, and the importance of immunization. School districts are being encouraged to disseminate health information to families and collaborate with local health departments to manage any outbreaks. In some districts, temporary measures such as classroom notifications and targeted vaccination drives are being considered to curb further spread.
While the state’s response is ramping up, experts emphasize that curbing the outbreak will require community-wide cooperation. Immunization remains the most effective tool to prevent pertussis and protect individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions. Health officials are reminding Texans that preventing infection is not only a matter of personal health but also a responsibility to protect the broader community—particularly infants and others at high risk.
As Texas braces for the rest of the respiratory virus season, the whooping cough resurgence stands as a sobering reminder of the importance of routine immunizations and the fragile balance of public health defenses. Authorities are urging families to act quickly by reviewing vaccine records, scheduling booster shots, and seeking medical care at the first sign of symptoms. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this outbreak can be contained or whether further surges will strain hospitals and communities across the state.
