Texas Faces Alarming Surge in Whooping Cough Cases

As of November 14, 2025, Texas is facing a significant outbreak of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DHSH), the state has reported over 3,500 cases of the highly contagious respiratory illness through October 2025 - nearly four times the number of cases seen during the same period last year.

This is the second consecutive year that Texas has experienced a sharp increase in whooping cough cases, prompting health officials to issue a new alert. Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms but can progress to severe coughing fits that may end in a distinctive "whoop" sound as the person gasps for air. While anyone can contract the disease, infants under 12 months are at the greatest risk of complications and hospitalization.

To combat the surge, the DHSH is urging all Texans to ensure they are up-to-date on their pertussis vaccinations. This includes pregnant women receiving the Tdap shot during each pregnancy and adults in close contact with infants getting vaccinated at least two weeks before exposure. Early treatment, regardless of vaccination history, is also crucial to preventing severe illness and stopping the spread of the outbreak.