Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is becoming more prevalent across the United States. Although many people consider it an old-fashioned illness, it continues to spread today, particularly in schools and among young people.
Schools are one of the easiest places for whooping cough to spread. Children spend long hours in close contact, share classrooms and school buses, and may not notice symptoms right away. Outbreaks can also occur in other group settings, such as childcare centers.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outbreaks of this contagious respiratory illness happen frequently. In Massachusetts, there were 541 reported cases of whooping cough in November 2024, as reported by GBH News.
While the number of cases has decreased since that peak, CDC data shows that cases remain higher than usual in 2025.
For families in Massachusetts, this is a good time to learn the basics: what whooping cough is, how it spreads, and how you can protect your children.
What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Pertussis is a very contagious lung infection caused by bacteria. It can be especially dangerous for young babies. Older children, teenagers, and adults usually experience milder symptoms, but the nagging cough can persist for several weeks or even a couple of months.
The germs that cause pertussis (also known as whooping cough) live in your nose, mouth, and throat. They spread very easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even just talks.
These bacteria can also live on surfaces, so you can catch the infection by touching items a sick person has used, such as tissues or cups.
For people who already have health issues like moderate-to-severe asthma or a weak immune system, pertussis can make their existing problems worse and cause much more serious breathing difficulties.
What are the Symptoms of Pertussis
Pertussis symptoms appear in phases and can last for many weeks if the illness is not treated:
Week 1-2 (Early or “cold-like” stage). Symptoms are similar to having a regular cold. This includes a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough that is just starting.
Weeks 2-8 (Severe coughing stage): The cough worsens significantly. You might have long, strong coughing fits that cause you to go red or blue in the face, or make that classic “whooping” sound when you try to take a breath. These coughing spells can be so strong that they cause vomiting or extreme tiredness. They often get worse at night.
Weeks 8-12 (Recovery Stage)
The cough slowly becomes less frequent and less intense. Most people start to feel better within 2 to 3 weeks, although a mild cough may persist for a few weeks longer.
Pertussis in Massachusetts
WWLP news reports that whooping cough is surging again in 2025, and not just nationwide. Across the U.S., 9,047 cases have been reported as of April 26, 2025, nearly double the number from the same time last year.
Massachusetts is seeing a similar rise. The CDC reports 48 cases last year and 74 cases so far this year, showing a clear increase in local spread.
Pertussis typically peaks in the spring and fall, and it spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or even breathes nearby.
When to Visit Your Healthcare Provider
If you suspect your child may have Pertussis, or if you notice certain warning signs, knowing where to go for care can help you act quickly and safely.
Go to the Emergency Room
These are serious warning signs to call 911 or go to the nearest ER:
- Severe breathing problems: gasping, pauses in breathing, fast or labored breathing, or chest retractions.
- Skin, lips, or fingertips staying blue or gray during coughing.
- Seizures, unresponsiveness, or sudden confusion
Visit Primary Care or Urgent Care
These symptoms need prompt care but are not usually an emergency:
- Your child was exposed to someone with whooping cough.
- Their cough is worsening, occurring more frequently, or causing vomiting.
- They have mild trouble breathing or briefly turn blue or gray during coughing, but recover quickly.
- They’re very tired, not eating or drinking well, or showing signs of possible dehydration.
Primary or urgent care can test, treat, and start antibiotics early.
At Zenith Primary & Urgent Care in Marlborough, MA, we make it easy to get care when your child needs it. Our Primary Care is accepting new patients from Marlborough, Ashland, Berlin, Bolton, Framingham, Hopkinton, Hudson, Maynard, Northborough, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough.
We offer same-day and next-day appointments with extended hours on weekdays and weekends. Whether you need testing, evaluation, or treatment for sudden symptoms, our team is here to help.
For urgent care needs, we also welcome walk-ins and provide flexible scheduling for nearby families.
Call us at 617-500-7933 or book online here to schedule your appointment.
