JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – The Arkansas Department of Health has reported 486 cases of whooping cough in 2025, marking the highest increase since 2013 and a dramatic rise from the 38 cases reported in 2023.
The surge represents a concerning trend for the highly contagious respiratory infection, also known as pertussis. Cases jumped from 16 in 2021 to 38 in 2023, then to 391 in 2024 before reaching this year’s total.
Dr. Shane Speights, dean of the New York Institute of Technology at Arkansas State University, said he is not surprised by the spike.
“This is actually the highest increase here in 2025 that we’ve had since 2013,” Speights said.
Speights attributed the increase to declining vaccination rates in Arkansas.
“It’s the vaccination rates in the state of Arkansas. They dropped significantly in the past year or two,” he said.
The state’s vaccination rate for school-age children has fallen below 88% for pertussis. Speights said rates need to stay above 91% to prevent outbreaks.
“We’re below 88% in terms of those school age children vaccinated for pertussis. And when you get below about 91%, you’re going to see outbreaks like this,” he said.
Newborns to 19-year-olds accounted for 85% of cases in 2025, with 415 cases in that age group. Children under one year old face the highest risk of developing severe complications, with over a third of infected infants reportedly experiencing sleep apnea and breathing difficulties.
Initial symptoms resemble a common cold, but the disease progresses after about a week to 10 days.
“Then about a week to 10 days after that, you’re going to start seeing a progression of the disease into more of the classic whooping cough where you have these coughing fits. They may even have trouble catching their breath,” Speights said.
Recent data shows a positive trend, with fewer than 31 cases reported statewide from Nov. 3 to Dec. 2. Speights said the monthly decline likely reflects increased vaccinations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who receive all DTaP shots have a 98% protection rate against the illness.
Copyright 2025 KAIT. All rights reserved.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI