URGENT UPDATE: Texas is in the grips of a dangerous surge in whooping cough, known as the **100-day cough**, with **3,500 confirmed cases** reported this year—marking an **11-year high**. Tragically, this outbreak has resulted in the deaths of **two infants** in Louisiana, raising alarm among health officials as the holiday season approaches.
According to the **Texas Department of State Health Services**, the number of reported cases is **four times** greater than the same period last year, with **two highly contagious months** still ahead. The state’s health department issued a health warning on **November 3, 2024**, indicating that infections peak during the holiday season, when families gather, potentially spreading the illness further.
Why This Matters NOW: Health experts are sounding the alarm as **over 85% of infections** this year have affected children. Hector Ocaranza, a pediatrician and member of the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Science and Health Promotion, expressed serious concerns:
“We practitioners and public health professionals are concerned because we are seeing a year-after-year trend of a significant increase in cases when this is preventable.”
The rise in cases parallels a nationwide trend, with more than **35,000 documented cases** across the U.S. in 2024, a stark increase from **7,063 cases** in 2023.
As vaccination rates decline, experts emphasize the need for immediate action. **Jason Bowling**, an infectious disease specialist at **UT Health San Antonio**, warns that parents must prioritize their children’s health during holiday gatherings. “Parents with newborn infants need to feel empowered to ask visitors to wash their hands or postpone visits if they have a cough,” he said.
Leilani Valdes, chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Citizens Medical Center in Victoria, highlighted that while increases in whooping cough cases can be expected, the current surge is particularly concerning. “The size of this one is unusual, and public health officials are keeping a close eye on it,” she noted.
With **two months remaining** in the year, the potential for further spikes in whooping cough cases looms large. Last year, **more than half** of infections occurred in November and December, raising fears that this trend could repeat itself.
Health officials urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and to remain vigilant during these critical months. The impact of whooping cough can be severe, especially for infants and those with chronic conditions, making immediate action essential to curb this outbreak.
As the situation develops, keeping informed about vaccination status and safety measures is crucial for families across Texas and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as authorities continue to monitor this urgent public health crisis.
