Pertussis Cases in Texas Increase Over 80%

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently announced a significant increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases.

According to provisional DSHS data updated on November 3, 2025, Texas has had more than 3,500 reported pertussis cases through October this year, roughly four times the number (1,907) reported for the same period last year, which realized a spike in November and December. 

Texas reported 340 cases in 2023.

This is the second consecutive year Texas has experienced high year-over-year increases in reported pertussis cases, and the second successive year DSHS has issued a health alert.

DSHS wrote that pertussis can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications in infants and young children who are not fully immunized. 

The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. However, immunized children and adults can still get pertussis, so a history of immunization does not rule out a pertussis diagnosis. Immunized children, adolescents, and adults may present with milder symptoms and lack the classic "whoop", says DSHS.

Across the United States, preliminary CDC data for 2024 show that more than six times as many cases were reported as in 2023. 

In Texas, pertussis vaccines are offered at health clinics and pharmacies.