BISMARCK, N.D. (HHS) – The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reported 73 cases of pertussis (also known as “whooping cough”) so far in 2024, compared to 17 cases in all of 2023. Cases have occurred in 11 counties, compared to two counties last year. Cases range from infants to adults, and four infants have been hospitalized. HHS has issued a health advisory on pertussis to North Dakota health care providers.

Early symptoms of pertussis can last one to two weeks and usually include a runny or stuffy nose, low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F), mild, occasional cough and pauses in breathing or struggles breathing (can occur in infants instead of coughing). In advanced pertussis, a person may experience coughing fits that cause a high-pitched “whoop” when inhaling, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, struggles breathing or a broken rib.

Pertussis is most severe in infants. The illness can be milder in people who have been immunized. It is very contagious and can be passed on for multiple weeks.

Vaccine recommendations are as follows:

• Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine series starting at age two months
• Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for adolescents
• Tdap booster vaccine for adults every 10 years
• Tdap vaccine for pregnant women during each pregnancy to protect newborns