Story perspectives
Whooping Cough Surge: North Carolina Faces 70-Year High
10/8/2025
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Story summary
- North Carolina reports a surge in whooping cough, with nearly 600 cases by end-2024—the most in 70 years.
- Cases are six times higher than 2023, signaling a sharp rise.
- Declining vaccination and post-pandemic immunity gaps drive spread. Kindergarten coverage fell 96.5% to 93.5% (2014–2024).
- Mecklenburg County Health Department recommends tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccine (Tdap); pregnant people should vaccinate at 27-36 weeks.
