Whooping cough in Florida: What to know

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordatella pertussis. The bacteria cling to small, hair-like structures in parts of the upper respiratory system and secrete toxins, leading to swelling of the airways. Bacteria can quickly spread within 6 feet of an infected individual through respiratory droplets released during coughing and sneezing, which contain the toxin-producing bacteria.

Complications from whooping cough are usually most severe in infants under 12 months old and can become serious if untreated. Infants are more likely to die or be hospitalized due to the infection. Complications can range from ear infections to brain damage and respiratory failure.

Whooping cough basics

The classic symptom is a “whoop,” or the sound made when gasping for breath during a severe coughing fit. However, it’s possible to have the infection without the characteristic sound. Early signs may look like those of a common cold or bronchitis, which can make diagnosis challenging. The severe coughing can make breathing, eating or sleeping difficult. It can lead to cracked ribs, pneumonia and hospitalization.

Whooping cough is most dangerous for infants, who often get infected by asymptomatic older siblings, parents or caregivers. Booster vaccines are essential throughout life, as immunity from childhood vaccination wanes, exposing teenagers and adults to risk. It is recommended that pregnant individuals and caregivers of children under 12 months of age get vaccinated.

Whooping cough in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Health, confirmed whooping cough cases have increased in the past two years. Previously, case numbers had been low during the peak years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The department’s Reportable Disease Frequency Report shows confirmed whooping cough cases jumping from 51 in 2023 to 590 in 2024. As of November 2025, the number of confirmed cases has exceeded 1,000 — the highest it’s been in Florida in over 20 years.

Whooping cough transmission

The bacteria easily spread from person to person through the air. When someone with whooping cough sneezes or coughs, they release tiny droplets into the air, containing the bacteria. Close contacts within 6 feet can inhale these infected droplets.

Individuals can be contagious at the first appearance of symptoms and for at least two weeks after coughing starts. Some people have mild symptoms and might not realize they have whooping cough, but they can still transmit the bacteria to others.

Symptoms of whooping cough

Whooping cough symptoms typically appear within five to 10 days after bacterial exposure, although in some cases, they may take up to three weeks to develop.

Early symptoms can be mild and last one to three weeks, including:

• Runny nose or congestion
• Fever
• Cough
• Watery, red eyes

One to two weeks after symptoms begin, thick mucus accumulates inside the airways. This causes uncontrollable, rapid coughing that can last for weeks or months, often worsening at night. Other symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• A red or blue face
• Extreme tiredness
• A high-pitched “whoop” sound during the next breath of air

People with mild illnesses often don’t produce the classic whooping sound. In teenagers and adults, an ongoing hacking cough may be the only sign of whooping cough. Many babies with the illness may not cough at all, though some babies and young children might:

• Gag or struggle to breathe
• Have skin, lips or nails that turn blue or purple
• Have life-threatening pauses in breathing

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you or your child appears to be struggling to breathe.

Populations most vulnerable to whooping cough infections

Infants under 12 months old are most vulnerable to serious illness and mortality, due to their still-developing immune systems. This group also maintains the highest reported incidence of whooping cough. Those with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, are also vulnerable to whooping cough complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone receive the whooping cough vaccine, especially pregnant individuals. The immunity developed from the whooping cough vaccine received as a child wears off over time. For this reason, a booster shot is recommended for children aged 10 to 11, pregnant people and grandparents of newborns to minimize the risk of infection in infants.

Whooping cough diagnosis

It is important to see a healthcare provider if whooping cough is suspected, especially for infants. The infection can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms resemble those of other respiratory illnesses. Healthcare providers diagnose whooping cough by conducting a physical exam, asking about symptoms and collecting a mucus sample to send to a lab for testing.

Whooping cough treatment

Unlike many other common respiratory illnesses, whooping cough is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics are the typical treatment route for whooping cough if caught early. It is crucial to treat the bacterial infection as soon as possible to reduce symptoms and disease transmission. After the three-week mark, antibiotics are no longer effective as the bacteria have left the body. Symptoms will persist due to damage to the airways caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria, which requires time to fully heal.

Whooping cough can lead to severe complications, especially in infants, so hospitalization treatment varies depending on the severity of the infection. Hospital treatment of whooping cough usually focuses on keeping breathing passages clear, monitoring breathing and administering oxygen, if needed. Dehydration is possible due to discomfort caused by constant coughing fits, so fluids may be given intravenously.

Whooping cough prevention

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough, but protection decreases over time, so booster vaccines are periodically needed. The two whooping cough vaccines are combined with components that also protect against tetanus and diphtheria. These vaccines, when administered as recommended by professional medical providers, have resulted in significant decreases in whooping cough-related illnesses and deaths.

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