Mississippi Health Alert Confirms 80 Pertussis Cases

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) recently issued a health alert confirming an increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the state.

As of July 10, 2025, 80 cases have been reported so far this year. This total is an increase from 2024, when the MSDH reported 49 cases.

As of July 22, 2025, no related fatalities have been reported.

Most (76%) of this year's cases have occurred in children less than 18 years of age. Of the 73 age-eligible cases for pertussis vaccination, 28 were not vaccinated.

While cases have been reported statewide, 40% were identified in northeast Mississippi.

According to the U.S. CDC, reported cases of pertussis have increased across the United States. Preliminary data show that more than six times as many cases were reported in 2024 compared to 2023. 

The CDC states that there's no distinct seasonal pattern to pertussis; however, past trends suggest that cases may increase in the summer and fall.

Pertussis is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets or contact with airborne droplets. Patients are considered infectious from the onset of symptoms until three weeks after the start of high-pitched coughing fits, or until they have completed five days of antibiotics.

Vaccination, one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against pertussis, is recommended for everyone. Two types of combination vaccines include protection against pertussis, as well as diphtheria and tetanus: DTaP and Tdap.

DTaP is recommended for younger children, while Tdap is recommended for older children, pregnant women, and adults.

Recommended treatment includes antibiotics within three weeks of cough onset in people 1 year of age and older, and within six weeks of cough onset in infants younger than 1 year old and pregnant women.

MSDH offers vaccinations to children and uninsured adults at county health departments. To make an appointment, visit msdh.ms.gov/pertussis or call (855) 767-0170.