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Louisiana's Worst Whooping Cough Outbreak Sparks Vaccine Urgency

9/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana urged Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to promote the whooping cough vaccine due to a severe outbreak in the state.
Louisiana has reported 368 pertussis cases this year, marking its worst outbreak since 1990, with two infant deaths in April.
Cassidy noted that 75% of hospitalized patients were unvaccinated or not current on vaccinations.
He emphasized the need for public support for the DTaP vaccine to protect infants.
The DTaP vaccine can be given during pregnancy to safeguard newborns.

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Story summary

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana urged Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to promote the whooping cough vaccine due to a severe outbreak in the state.
Louisiana has reported 368 pertussis cases this year, marking its worst outbreak since 1990, with two infant deaths in April.
Cassidy noted that 75% of hospitalized patients were unvaccinated or not current on vaccinations.
He emphasized the need for public support for the DTaP vaccine to protect infants.
The DTaP vaccine can be given during pregnancy to safeguard newborns.