As of October 12, 2024, Whooping Cough cases in St. Louis County are 25 times higher than the same period in 2023. Only one in six St. Louis adults (17%) surveyed this week said they had heard about the rise in cases during the last 7 days.
More St. Louisans hearing about Whooping Cough
This is the fourth consecutive week we have asked St. Louis adults about rising rates of Whooping Cough. Although awareness remains low, it has consistently risen, from 12% when we first asked to 17% — a 42% jump. Adults ages 50 years and older were most likely to hear about it than those younger (18% vs 42%).
Why is it called “Whooping Cough”?
The formal name for this disease is Pertussis, but it’s known as Whooping Cough because its symptoms typically include violent, rapid coughing that continues until all air is expelled from the lungs, forcing a person to inhale with a “whooping” sound.
Recent trends in Whooping Cough in St. Louis
So far in 2024, Missouri has reported 366 confirmed cases of Whooping Cough, compared to just 42 cases this time last year. About 34% of cases are in St. Louis City or County. Lower vaccination rates during COVID-19 may be contributing to this increase.
How to stay protected
Vaccination is the best way to prevent Whooping Cough. Different vaccines are recommended based on age groups. Adults who haven’t received a Tdap vaccine should get one immediately, followed by boosters every 10 years. Pregnant women should get a Tdap dose between 27–36 weeks of gestation. For children, the CDC recommends a 5-dose DTaP series at 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months, and 4–6 years. Vaccinated individuals might still get Whooping Cough because immunity wanes over time but would likely experience milder symptoms.
Help keep St. Louis safe
Community organizations can share the resources below to help St. Louisans get and stay up to date on vaccinations. You can also inform them that St. Louis County Department of Public Health vaccine clinics provide Whooping cough vaccinations for all ages on a walk-in basis.
Survey information
This week’s report is based on a survey of 230 adult residents in St. Louis, MO (n = 149) and Omaha, NE (n = 81), conducted on October 19-21, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
Download the graphics below to share about this topic.
Suggested Caption:
As of October 12, there have been more than five times as many Whooping Cough (pertussis) cases reported year-to-date compared to the same period in 2023 (CDC). That’s a lot of cases! What can you do to prevent the spread? Check your vaccination status and make sure you’re up-to-date.
#iHeardSTL #WhoopingCough #GetVaccinated
Suggested Caption:
Whooping Cough, or pertussis, is a lung infection that causes intense coughing fits. It’s highly contagious and anyone can get it.
Swipe to learn about who should get vaccinated, which vaccine, and when they should get vaccinated. Let’s keep our community safe and healthy!
#iHeardSTL #WhoopingCough #GetVaccinated
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