Pertussis: What you need to know

This respiratory season, Essentia Health is experiencing an increase in cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, across the communities we serve in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

• According to the Minnesota Department of Health, as of Nov. 7 (the date for which the most recent data is available), the state had recorded 1,622 cases of pertussis in 2024 – the highest annual number since 2016.
• As of Nov. 15, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services recorded 87 cases, five times what they were in 2023, and the highest since 2013.
• As of Nov. 15, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed 1,732 cases in 2024, compared to 51 in 2023.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which attacks the lining of the lungs. It is a vaccine-preventable disease that is usually mild in vaccinated children and adults but can be serious and even fatal in infants and young children, and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about a third of babies younger than 12 months who get whooping cough need treatment in a hospital.

"We typically see an increase in pertussis cases every few years, though numbers were lower during and following the COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Sharnell Valentine, a pediatrician at Essentia Health. "It's likely the mitigation measures used during the pandemic – masking, remote learning, etc. – lowered transmission of pertussis. However, many young children also fell behind on vaccinations during this time due to fewer doctor’s visits and haven’t caught back up yet."

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Pertussis is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets and from the start of symptoms until at least two weeks after coughing begins.

Pertussis symptoms can include:

• A cough of any duration in a person who has been notified of a close exposure to pertussis.
• A paroxysmal (sudden increase, repeatedly) cough of any duration, with whooping, post-tussive vomiting/gagging or apnea.
• Or a persistent cough of unknown cause, lasting more than seven days.

Individuals can also have mild symptoms and not know that they have whooping cough, but can still spread the bacteria. Infants and children can be infected by older siblings, classmates, parents or caregivers who don't know they have it.

Pertussis is treated with an antibiotic that works best when taken earlier in the illness, but the best way to prevent against this illness is to get vaccinated.

There are two vaccines that protect against pertussis, as well as diphtheria and tetanus.

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis): A childhood vaccine of five doses, given at 2, 4, 6 and 15 to 18 months and at 4 to 6 years old.
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis): Available to anyone 7 years or older, typically recommended for adolescents 11 through 12 years old; pregnant women (27 to 36 weeks); and for adults (every 10 years) and to those who never received the vaccine.

In addition to vaccination, it is recommended that you wash your hands; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve; clean frequently touched surfaces; wear a mask when appropriate; and stay home if you are sick.

Pertussis vaccines are generally covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program provides free to low-cost vaccines for children who are American Indian, Medicaid-eligible, uninsured or underinsured. Patients with Medicare must visit a pharmacy to receive these vaccines.

DTaP and Tdap vaccines are available at all Essentia primary care, walk-in and urgent care clinic locations. These vaccines are also available for ages 6 years and older at Essentia's pharmacy locations (in Minnesota and Wisconsin).

Patients can schedule their vaccination at EssentiaHealth.org, via MyChart or by calling (844) 663-1068. Walk-ins are also welcome.