Full Breakdown
Record Surge of Whooping Cough Cases in Oregon Amid Declining Vaccination Rates
12/12/2025, 10:20:27 PM
Overview of the Pertussis Outbreak
Oregon has reported an unprecedented 1,475 cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 1,420 cases set in 1950. The surge began in spring 2024, when the state recorded 1,252 cases. This alarming trend is attributed to a combination of declining vaccination rates, particularly among pregnant individuals, and a return to pre-pandemic social behaviors, which have created favorable conditions for the disease to spread.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Infants are particularly at risk, as they cannot receive their first pertussis vaccination until they are two months old. This year, Oregon has documented 87 cases of pertussis in infants under 12 months, resulting in 22 hospitalizations and one death. Dr. Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), emphasized the importance of vaccinating pregnant individuals with the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to provide newborns with protective antibodies.
Declining Vaccination Rates
Vaccination rates for Tdap among pregnant individuals in Oregon have decreased from 72% in 2020 to 69% in 2024. This decline is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where rates can be as low as 17%. The OHA has noted that the overall vaccination rates for kindergarteners have also fallen below the national average, contributing to the current outbreak.
Factors Contributing to the Surge
Experts attribute the rise in whooping cough cases to several interrelated factors. The shift to acellular vaccines in the 1980s, while safer, has resulted in shorter-lasting immunity. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant drop in reported cases due to masking and social distancing, which may have reduced herd immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also revised its case definition in 2020, potentially inflating reported case numbers by 10-25%.
Official Statements & Recommendations
The OHA has urged not only pregnant individuals but also all adults who interact with infants to receive the Tdap vaccine. Dr. Chiou stated, “One of the most important things someone can do to protect their newborn is to get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy.” Health officials recommend that vaccination efforts be intensified, especially in light of the current outbreak.
Criticism & Opposition
Some healthcare professionals express concern over vaccine hesitancy and the public's misunderstanding of the vaccine's effectiveness. Dr. Carolina Amador, Benton County health officer, noted that the term "booster" may lead people to believe the vaccine is ineffective due to waning immunity, which could deter them from getting vaccinated.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the OHA has reported a record number of cases, some experts suggest that the increase may also reflect improved case identification rather than a true surge in infections. The CDC's change in case definition and the natural cyclical nature of pertussis outbreaks complicate the narrative surrounding the current situation.
What's Next
As vaccination rates continue to decline, health officials warn that the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including whooping cough, will likely persist. OHA and CDC recommendations emphasize the need for increased vaccination among pregnant individuals and those in close contact with infants to mitigate the risks associated with this outbreak.
