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Texas Sees 3500 Pertussis Cases: Health Officials Urge Vaccination

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a health alert after Texas recorded over 3,500 pertussis infections through October 2025, quadrupling last year's total.
The rise marks a second consecutive year of increasing pertussis cases.
Pertussis is caused by Bordetella pertussis.
About one-third of pertussis cases require hospitalization.
Health officials urge vaccinations for children, boosters for pregnant women to protect newborns, and early recognition and treatment to manage illness.

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Story summary

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a health alert after Texas recorded over 3,500 pertussis infections through October 2025, quadrupling last year's total.
The rise marks a second consecutive year of increasing pertussis cases.
Pertussis is caused by Bordetella pertussis.
About one-third of pertussis cases require hospitalization.
Health officials urge vaccinations for children, boosters for pregnant women to protect newborns, and early recognition and treatment to manage illness.