Arkansas Reports Highest Number of Whooping Cough Cases In Fifteen Year Collection History

Little Rock – Arkansas has reported more than 500 cases of pertussis in 2025. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has reached its highest level in the state since the Arkansas Department of Health began routinely collecting this data 15 years ago. Pertussis cases have been identified in many areas around the state, with over 50 counties reporting at least one case this year. The number of pertussis cases has also increased nationwide.

For 2025, the majority of pertussis cases in Arkansas were reported among school-aged children and teenagers. At least 50 people were hospitalized due to pertussis, which was 10 percent of the total reported cases. More than 60 percent of those hospitalized were infants younger than one year of age. There was one death related to pertussis this year.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Pertussis is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. This illness affects the lungs and airways. Early on, symptoms look like the common cold, with a mild cough, runny nose, and sometimes a fever. One to two weeks later, people can have coughing fits that may occur suddenly on and off for ten weeks or more. However, infants with pertussis may not have a cough. Instead, they may have pauses in their breathing that cause them to turn blue, or they may struggle to breathe.

People with pertussis spread the bacteria through coughing or sneezing, particularly when they are in close contact with others. Older siblings and adults with pertussis are important sources of infection for young infants and other members of the household who may be at high risk for having severe illness. One out of three infants in the United States with pertussis will need hospital care. People of all ages with pre-existing health conditions, such as a weakened immune system or asthma, are also at high risk for severe illness if they get infected.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against pertussis is to get vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination. If you’ve been exposed to someone with pertussis, talk to your healthcare provider about getting preventive treatment. If you have symptoms of pertussis, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested because pertussis can be treated with the right antibiotic.

Data updates regarding pertussis cases can be found on the ADH dashboard:
https://adhcancer.arkansas.gov/Documents/Pertussis_public.html.