Minnesota sees over 2,000 cases of whooping cough, the highest since 2012
- Over 2,324 cases of whooping cough have been reported in Minnesota as of this year, with a majority occurring in the metro area.
- The median age of reported cases is 14 years, indicating significant infections among infants and young children.
- Health officials are taking action by notifying educational institutions and encouraging testing for symptoms to control the spread.
In Minnesota, over 2,300 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, have been reported this year, marking a significant increase in the number of infections. This spike in cases is the highest since 2012 when the state recorded 4,144 cases. Health officials report that this rise is cyclical, with whooping cough cases typically increasing every three to five years. Many of this year's cases have occurred in the seven-county metro region of Minneapolis, suggesting a concentrated outbreak in an urban area, which could be linked to lower vaccination rates or increased population density. The median age among those infected is reported to be 14 years, spanning from infants to individuals aged 92. Alarmingly, 77 of the cases involve infants younger than one year, indicating a vulnerability within this age group. Furthermore, 34 patients have required hospitalization due to complications from the illness, and another 57 have developed pneumonia as a result of their infections. Such statistics highlight the severe health impacts of pertussis, particularly on younger populations who may not be fully vaccinated. To address the outbreak, the Minnesota Department of Health is taking proactive measures, including sending notification letters to schools, colleges, and daycare facilities where cases have been reported. These letters will alert staff and students to the importance of testing if symptoms arise, aiming to contain the spread of the illness. Whooping cough is known to be contagious up to 21 days, or until adequate antibiotic treatment has been completed, which adds urgency to the public health response. The cyclical nature of whooping cough outbreaks emphasizes the ongoing need for public health education and vaccination campaigns. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, variations in vaccination uptake can lead to such surges in cases, necessitating increased efforts to promote immunization as a key preventive measure against this severe disease.