Hawaii’s pertussis outbreak has surged past last year’s total cases in just five months, exposing a troubling decline in vaccination rates that puts infants at highest risk of life-threatening complications.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii has reported 108 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) as of May 15, already exceeding the 84 cases recorded in all of 2024
- Vaccination rates in Hawaii have fallen below national averages since 2019, creating vulnerability for widespread transmission
- Infants under one year face the highest risk of hospitalization and potentially fatal complications from pertussis
- The DTaP vaccine offers strong protection for children (98% effective in the first year), while Tdap boosters are essential for teens and adults
- Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester to protect newborns who are too young for vaccination
Hawaii’s Whooping Cough Surge Raises Alarm
The Hawaii Department of Health has issued an urgent warning as pertussis cases spike dramatically across the islands. With 108 cases reported by mid-May, the state has already surpassed last year’s total of 84 cases. This respiratory disease, commonly known as whooping cough, spreads rapidly through airborne transmission when infected individuals cough or sneeze. Health officials note that vaccination rates in Hawaii have steadily declined since 2019, falling below national averages and creating ideal conditions for the current outbreak.
“Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread through the air via the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Initially, the symptoms resemble a cold but can progress to intense coughing fits. In children, coughing fits can be followed by a deep breath that makes a whooping sound,” According to the Department of Health.
Serious Health Risks, Especially for Infants
While initial symptoms may resemble a common cold, pertussis can quickly progress to severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that make breathing difficult. The disease earned its nickname “whooping cough” from the distinctive sound children make when gasping for air between coughing spells. For infants, who are at highest risk, these symptoms can rapidly escalate to life-threatening complications including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death. Medical experts emphasize that babies under one year old are particularly vulnerable.
“Pertussis is insidious and can be easily mistaken for other respiratory diseases, including viruses,” Stated Dr. Marc Siegel, medical expert.
Antibiotics can treat pertussis if administered early, but many cases go undiagnosed until advanced stages when treatment becomes less effective. The disease is particularly dangerous for unvaccinated individuals, with infants too young to be fully vaccinated facing the greatest danger. This creates an urgent need for what medical professionals call “cocooning” – ensuring everyone around vulnerable infants is properly vaccinated to prevent transmission.
Vaccination Remains Most Effective Prevention
Health officials consistently emphasize that vaccination provides the strongest defense against pertussis. The DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) is recommended for young children in a five-dose series, while the Tdap booster is advised for adolescents and adults. The protection is substantial but requires maintaining the complete vaccination schedule for optimal effectiveness against the disease.
“The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine offers strong protection to children — about 98 out of 100 children are protected for at least a year after the fifth dose, and about 70% are still protected for up to five years,” Stated Neha Pathak, MD.
“The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination with either the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccines. Multiple doses are recommended for infants, children and adults.”
Broader Concerns Amid Rising Measles Cases Nationwide
The pertussis outbreak in Hawaii comes amid growing concerns about other vaccine-preventable diseases across the mainland United States. Though Hawaii has reported no new measles cases since two travel-related infections in April, the mainland has seen over 1,000 measles cases across 30 states. This troubling trend highlights the consequences of declining vaccination rates nationwide and has health officials on high alert for travelers to the islands.
“DOH recommends continued vigilance and efforts to increase the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rate. High vaccination rates protect individuals and communities and prevent cases from becoming outbreaks.”
For pregnant women, medical experts recommend receiving the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of each pregnancy. This timing allows mothers to pass protective antibodies to their babies before birth, providing critical protection during the vulnerable early months of life. “The best protection is for everyone around them to be vaccinated.”
