WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) announced on Friday, March 7, that officials are concerned with the continued, active spread of pertussis (whooping cough) across the state.
WDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit Manager Clay Van Houten said in the announcement that there have been 30 confirmed pertussis cases in Wyoming so far this year. This number has increased from the 18 reported cases in early February. The bacterial infection has been seen in Sheridan, Campbell, Johnson and Lincoln counties.
Van Houten noted that there were 19 reported pertussis cases in 2024, zero in 2023 and two in 2022.
“The sharp increase in reports we started seeing in late 2024, which has continued through this year’s early months, is significant and is concerning,” Van Houten said. “While roughly two-thirds of the reported cases have been among Sheridan County residents, pertussis has also been identified in eight other counties to date.”
According to the WDH, actual case numbers are likely to be higher because many illnesses are not recognized as pertussis and others might not be reported. Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms and 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.
Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH, said that more than half of infants less than one year of age who become ill with pertussis need to be hospitalized, and in some cases, it can be deadly.
“Infants are simply more vulnerable and don’t yet have the protection pertussis vaccines offer,” Harrist said.
Harrist said the Tdap adolescent/adult pertussis booster vaccine is especially important for those spending time with new infants such as parents, grandparents and caregivers. She also said that pregnant women should talk to their doctor about a Tdap vaccine to help protect their newborn.
Harrist recommends that all residents should stay up-to-date with pertussis vaccines to reduce symptoms. People should also see a medical professional for antibiotics if symptoms remain consistent.
More information about pertussis can be found here.
