Bexar County, Texas, is experiencing a significant increase in whooping cough cases, with the state on track to potentially set a record high this year. As of now, San Antonio’s Metropolitan Health District has reported over 200 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, in 2025. This figure marks a dramatic rise compared to just 72 cases recorded in the previous year and far exceeds the pre-pandemic average of 50-70 cases, according to Miguel Cervantes, interim assistant director of communicable diseases at the city health department.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that predominantly affects young children. Initial symptoms can be mild and resemble those of a common cold, including sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, fever, and a cough. As the illness progresses, it can lead to severe coughing fits and the characteristic high-pitched “whoop” sound that follows. Infants who are unvaccinated are particularly vulnerable, though fatalities from the disease are rare, with no deaths reported in Texas this year, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Statewide Surge in Cases
Texas has recorded a total of 3,762 cases of whooping cough this year, a significant increase from 1,907 cases in 2024. Health officials are anticipating that December, typically a month with heightened infections, could push the state past its previous record of 3,985 cases set in 2013, as noted by Lara Anton, senior press officer at DSHS.
The rise in whooping cough cases is part of a larger trend observed nationally, where diseases that had previously declined during the COVID-19 pandemic are rebounding. The Texas health department has issued health alerts for the past two years due to this resurgence. Vaccination rates have also seen a decline, contributing to the increase in cases. Cervantes highlighted that many children during the pandemic missed opportunities to receive their vaccinations, leading to gaps in coverage.
Recent data from the Texas Department of State Health Services indicates that kindergarten students have lower vaccination rates for all vaccines, including the DTaP vaccine, for the 2024-2025 school year compared to the previous year.
Vaccination as the Primary Defense
Health officials emphasize that staying current with vaccinations is the most effective way to prevent the spread of whooping cough. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that infants receive their first dose of the pertussis vaccine at two months of age, followed by two additional booster shots at ages 4-6 and 11-12. These boosters are crucial as the effectiveness of the vaccine diminishes over time.
Parents are encouraged to consult with their primary care doctors or pharmacists to ensure that their children are up to date with their pertussis vaccinations. Cervantes expressed concern regarding the rise in cases, stating, “The vaccination, even though it may not 100% of the time prevent someone from being infected with pertussis, it can definitely prevent a more severe illness, which is one of the main goals of the vaccination.”
As Texas grapples with this surge in whooping cough cases, public health officials stress the importance of vaccination and awareness to mitigate the impact on the community. Staying informed and proactive is essential in safeguarding public health.
