Vaccination coverage rates among 19–35-month-olds decreased from 73% in 2019 to 65% in 2024





News Release [ [link removed] ]




*For immediate release:* June 13, 2025                                           (25-082)

*Contact:* DOH Communications <[email protected]>

Washington sees 25-fold increase in whooping cough cases in 2024 compared to previous year 

"Vaccination coverage rates among 19-35-month-olds decreased from 73% in 2019 to 65% in 2024  "

*Olympia* - Washington state experienced a dramatic surge in whooping cough cases in 2024, with 2,261 confirmed and probable cases reported – a staggering 25-fold increase from 87 cases recorded in 2023, according to preliminary data released in the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Annual Pertussis Summary [ [link removed] ]. Additionally, as of May 31, there have already been 1,314 cases reported statewide this year.

*What is Whooping Cough?*

Pertussis, commonly referred to as whooping cough, is a bacterial disease which can cause cold-like symptoms that can turn into severe coughing spells. Severe complications can include apnea (temporarily stopping breathing), pneumonia, convulsions, collapsed lungs, rib fractures, and brain damage.  

The disease is most dangerous for infants under a year of age who may struggle to breathe and can turn very pale, or even blue from not getting enough air. In severe cases, infection lead to death. Tragically, in 2024, the state reported its first whooping cough-related death since 2011— a reminder of the disease’s potential severity.

Whooping cough symptoms usually start 5 to 21 days after exposure. Whooping cough is generally treated with antibiotics. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible to help keep the disease from spreading to others. Early treatment can also make the symptoms end sooner and be less severe.

*Vaccination is the best defense against whooping cough*

DOH strongly encourages everyone to stay up to date on their whooping cough vaccinations, especially those at higher risk of serious illness or those who are in close contact with them. This includes:


* Infants under 1 year old. 

* Pregnant people, especially those in the third trimester. 

* Families and caregivers of infants and young children. 

* People with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory illnesses. 

* Older adults, especially those 65 and older who are more susceptible to pneumonia. 

For more information, visit DOH’s Pertussis (Whooping Cough) web page [ [link removed] ] where answers to frequently asked questions [ [link removed] ] are also available.  

Our website [ [link removed] ] is your source for "a healthy dose of information". Get updates by following us on social media [ [link removed] ]. 

 

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Department of Health · 101 Israel Road SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]

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