Health Department: Whooping cough cases on the rise in Wyoming

CHEYENNE (WNE) — With recently increased cases of pertussis (whooping cough) across the state, including a current outbreak in Sheridan County, the Wyoming Department of Health is encouraging awareness of the disease.

At least 10 Sheridan County pertussis cases have been reported to WDH over the past couple of weeks, with additional recent cases in Campbell, Johnson and Lincoln counties.

“That brings us to 18 reported cases so far this year, and we’re only in the year’s second month,” said Clay Van Houten, infectious disease epidemiology unit manager with WDH, in a news release.

Van Houten noted pertussis activity went up in 2024 significantly, with 19 total confirmed cases. There were no reported pertussis cases in 2023 and two in 2022. Actual case numbers in any year are likely higher because many illnesses are not recognized as pertussis, and others may not be reported.

“Any surge in pertussis activity is something we watch with concern because it can be so tough on infants,” Van Houten said.

More than half of infants less than 1 year of age who become ill with pertussis must be hospitalized; in some cases, it can be deadly.

Van Houten said the Tdap adolescent/adult pertussis booster vaccine is important for those who spend time with new infants, such as parents, grandparents and other people who take care of them.

Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms and perhaps a mild cough. Pertussis is often not suspected or diagnosed until a persistent cough with spasms sets in after one to two weeks. Infants and children can cough violently and rapidly with a loud “whooping” sound.

More information about pertussis can be found online at tinyurl.com/wdh-pertussis.

This story was published on February 12, 2025.