The recent surge in pertussis cases in Hawaii has raised concerns among health officials and the public. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection characterized by severe coughing fits, often followed by a ‘whooping’ sound that gives the disease its name. The State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a worrying increase in cases, with 108 reported as of May 15, surpassing the 84 total cases recorded in 2024. This represents a sharp rise compared to previous years, prompting the DOH to issue a strong warning about the potential risks and the need for vaccination.
Health officials have emphasized that pertussis spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it particularly dangerous in close quarters such as schools and childcare facilities. The disease often starts with cold-like symptoms, but can progress to severe coughing fits that may lead to exhaustion and even hospitalization, especially in young children. Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst, stressed that pertussis can be easily mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, including viruses, and is often missed until symptoms escalate. He noted that while the DTaP vaccine is highly effective, vaccination rates in Hawaii remain below the national average, contributing to the current outbreak.
Dr. Neha Pathak, WebMD’s chief physician editor, reiterated the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks. She explained that immunity to pertussis decreases over time, meaning that even vaccinated individuals may need booster shots to maintain protection. The DTaP vaccine offers strong protection for children, with nearly 100% efficacy after the fifth dose, but as children grow older, they transition to the Tdap vaccine, which is recommended for adolescents and adults. Pathak also highlighted that pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to pass protective antibodies to their newborns, offering crucial protection before they are old enough to be vaccinated.
While Hawaii has managed to contain a recent measles outbreak, health officials have warned that measles exposure remains a concern, particularly due to travel-related introductions of the virus. The DOH noted that measles cases in the United States have been on the rise, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states as of May. Although Hawaii has not experienced a widespread measles outbreak, the risk remains high, especially for travelers who may bring the virus into the state. The DOH is encouraging increased vaccination rates for the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to mitigate this risk.
Public health experts have called for a renewed focus on vaccination education and outreach to combat declining immunization rates. Many health professionals argue that the drop in vaccination rates since 2019 has created a vulnerable population, particularly among children and infants, who are most at risk of severe complications from pertussis. The DOH has urged all residents to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations and to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities from infectious diseases like pertussis and measles.