Colorado Confirms Pertussis Outbreak in Fort Collins

The Public and Environmental Health Office at Colorado State University (CSU) has reported an unusual increase in pertussis cases this semester, with 14 confirmed cases in the fall 2025 semester.

According to a CSU media statement on October 30, 2025, pertussis, known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

CSU students are encouraged to contact the Health Network's Immunizations Department to verify whether they are up to date with their TDAP vaccine. The health department emphasizes that vaccination is the best defense against this infection.

Located in Fort Collins, 65 miles north of Denver, a community of about 1 million, CSU has an enrollment of 33,000.

In Colorado, the TDAP vaccine is recommended by the Health Department for most students and residents.