About Pertussis
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious disease of the lungs and respiratory system caused by bacteria.
(Updated January 8, 2026)
Pertussis Peaked in November 2024
Alameda County saw a large increase in Pertussis cases in 2024-2025. Forty (44%) of 2025 cases have been in 14–18-year-olds or high-school aged children.
Case counts in the last 7 years are:
| Year | Number of Pertussis Cases |
|---|---|
| 2018 (full year) | 187 |
| 2019 (full year) | 90 |
| 2020 (full year) | 25 |
| 2021 (full year) | 4 |
| 2022 (full year) | 0 |
| 2023 (full year) | 4 |
| 2024 (full year) | 186 |
| 2025 (year to date) | 91 |
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria. Pregnant persons and infants infected with pertussis are vulnerable to serious complications such as hospitalizations or death.
How is Pertussis Spread?
Pertussis is spread by wet droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. People with whooping cough can spread the disease from the time they get a runny nose until three weeks after their cough starts.
Good to Know
Pertussis is cyclical, with peak cases every 3-5 years. California’s last epidemic was in 2014 with 11,209 cases reported, including two infant deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations.
What are the Symptoms of Pertussis?
Early symptoms are like the common cold:
- Runny nose
- Low or no fever
- Sneezing
- Mild cough
Symptoms after 1-2 weeks:
- Vomiting
- Red or blue face
- Problems breathing
- Extreme tiredness
- A “whoop” sound
- Sweating spells
Symptoms in infants are different. Infants younger than six months old often do not have a typical cough. In the early stages, infants may:
- Gasp or gag
- Get very tired
- Stop breathing
- Seizures
Prevention
Vaccine Recommendations
To protect young children from pertussis there is a five-dose vaccine called DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis). Children should receive this vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, as well as between 15 to 18 months and 4-6 years. All children should receive the full series of shots on time.
A vaccine called Tdap is similar to DTaP. Children ages 11-12 should receive a dose of Tdap vaccine. It is also recommended that adults get a Tdap booster every 10 years. People who have never received a dose of Tdap should get one as soon as possible.
Tdap is especially important for health care professionals and anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months.
Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably between the early part of gestational weeks 27–36. This not only protects the mom but also gives the baby protection until they are old enough to start the DTaP vaccine series (usually two months old). Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.
How Can I Protect My Family?
- Make sure you and all household members are up to date with the pertussis vaccine.
- Insist that persons who have close contact with or care for your infant have had a recent Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
- Keep people with coughs away from your child.
- Wash hands frequently.
- See your health care provider if you have a persistent cough.
Learn More
- Vaccine Preventable Diseases in Alameda County 2019 – 2023
- Alameda County Immunization Clinics
- Pregnant? Top 3 Reasons Why You Need the Tdap Vaccine (English)
- ¿Embarazada? 3 razones principales por las que usted necesita la vacuna Tdap (Español)
- CDC Pertussis
- CDPH Pertussis (Whooping Cough)