Lately, “whooping cough” (also called pertussis) has been showing up more often—and that’s something parents should be aware of..
In 2025, Tuscarawas County Health officials have reported a spike in cases of whooping cough. So what is whooping cough, how does it spread, and what can you do to help keep your family safe? Let’s go through the basics—and how vaccination plays a key role.
What Is Whooping Cough?
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Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection.
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It’s called “whooping” because people—especially children—can develop severe coughing spells followed by a gasping “whoop” when trying to breathe in.
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The early symptoms often look like a cold—runny nose, sneezing, mild cough. But the cough can worsen over time, becoming uncontrollable and lasting for weeks.
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People with pertussis are most infectious during their first two weeks of cough.
What’s The Concern?
Cases of whooping cough have been trending upward across the U.S. in recent years. This trend is worrisome especially for infants, the elderly, and those whose immunity has decreased over time as more severe complications are more common in these populations. These complications can include:
- Ear infections
- Malnutrition
- Pneumonia
- Changes in brain function (encephalopothy), which can lead to permanent brain damage.
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory failure
How to Prevent Whooping Cough
1. Vaccination Is Your Best Protection
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The CDC recommends whooping cough vaccinations for people of all ages.
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- Note: vaccine protection fades over time. That’s why boosters and staying up to date are important.
2. Basic Hygiene & Caution
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Cover coughs, wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Because pertussis spreads through droplets (like when someone coughs or sneezes), keeping distance helps.
What to Do If You Think You Might Have It
If you or a family member develop a cough that worsens or lasts for a long time:
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Contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
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Early treatment with antibiotics can help reduce how contagious you are.
How Tuscarawas County Residents Can Get Protected
Because pertussis is rising locally, it’s a great time to get vaccinated or catch up if your vaccinations are outdated. The Tuscarawas County Health Department is offering whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines for the community.
To schedule your appointment, call their medical office at 330-343-5555, ext. 1810. They offer daytime and evening appointments for convenience. Insurance is accepted.
Getting vaccinated helps protect not only your family, but also the most vulnerable among us—like newborns who can’t yet be fully vaccinated.
Bottom Line
Whooping cough is more than a bad cough. It’s a serious, contagious disease that can lead to complications—especially in babies or people with weaker immunity. Vaccination, hygiene measures, and early treatment are our best tools. As community cases rise here locally, now’s an important time to check your family’s vaccine status and take action.
Citations:
https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15661-whooping-cough-pertussis