22-05-2025
DOH: Hawaii sees ‘worrying' increase in whooping cough
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A concerning number of pertussis cases in Hawaii, otherwise known as whooping cough, has health officials on high alert.
According to the Hawaii Department of Health, the number of whooping cough cases is increasing at a 'worrying rate.'
Whooping cough cases are rising again in the US
So far in 2025, officials said 108 cases have been reported, surpassing the 84 total cases for all of 2024.
'Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through the air via the coughs or sneezes of an infected person,' health officials said.
While the symptoms may resemble a cold, it can ultimately progress to 'intense coughing fits.'
It's particularly important for families that are expecting a baby, so pregnant women, but also grandparents who are going to be holding the baby, dads who are going to be holding the baby. So everyone in the household who may be spending a lot of time around a newborn infant, we recommend that they also get their booster for pertussis.
Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Health Department epidemiologist
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Officials said health complications can be serious and include pneumonia, seizures, apnea, brain damage and even death.
The DOH said vaccines are the best protection and are urging parents to keep their children up to date on all recommended vaccines such as DTaP or Tdap.
'In the absence of immunizations, that's where we wind up with folks ending up in the hospital, in the ICU. Sometimes needing respirators, breathing machines to depend on,' said Dr. Mahealani Lum, JABSOM Department of Family Medicine.
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The public can view the CDC's recommended vaccination schedules on its website.
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