Oregon is experiencing a significant whooping cough epidemic. Cases have surged dramatically this year, making Oregon Whooping Cough a major public health concern. The state has recorded an unprecedented number of infections, marking a record year for pertussis. Washington County is deeply affected by this Oregon Whooping Cough outbreak, ranking third in the state for reported cases. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing urgent warnings about this highly contagious respiratory infection.
A Historic Surge in Oregon Whooping Cough Cases
As of December 10, 2025, Oregon has seen 1,475 confirmed cases of whooping cough. This number shatters previous records for Oregon Whooping Cough, with the old record being 1,420 cases in 1950. The current pertussis outbreak began in spring 2024. Last year, Oregon recorded 1,252 cases, showing a significant increase in Oregon Whooping Cough. This news is vital for public health awareness surrounding Oregon Whooping Cough.
Washington County’s Role in the Pertussis Outbreak
Washington County has reported 188 cases through December 10, 2025. This places it third among Oregon counties for case numbers of Oregon Whooping Cough. Multnomah County leads with 268 cases, and Clackamas County is second, trailing by just one case. Washington County’s case count has risen by 45 reports since last year, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue and the severity of the Oregon Whooping Cough situation.
Understanding Whooping Cough
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory infection. It spreads easily through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Initial symptoms resemble a common cold, including sneezing, a runny nose, and a mild fever. However, it soon progresses to severe coughing fits, characteristic of whooping cough. These fits can last for weeks or months, with sufferers struggling to breathe or even vomiting after coughing spells. A hallmark “whooping” sound may occur when inhaling after a coughing fit, a common symptom of this Oregon Whooping Cough illness.
Infants Face the Greatest Risk of Oregon Whooping Cough
Babies are particularly vulnerable to whooping cough. Their immune systems are still developing, and they cannot receive vaccinations until two months old, making them highly susceptible to severe illness from Oregon Whooping Cough. This year, Oregon has seen 87 infant cases of pertussis. Twenty-two of these infants required hospitalization. Sadly, one infant death has been attributed to whooping cough in Oregon this year, the sole reported death from the disease in 2025, underscoring the extreme danger of infant whooping cough.
Factors Driving the Record Disease Surge
Several factors contribute to this record-breaking outbreak of Oregon Whooping Cough. A return to pre-pandemic behaviors is a major cause, as many people have stopped wearing masks and practicing social distancing, allowing the highly contagious bacteria to spread more easily. Declining vaccination rates are another key factor. Immunity from vaccines wanes over time, meaning individuals need booster shots. The shift to acellular vaccines in the 1980s offered improved safety but has a shorter duration of protection than older vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role; masking and social distancing reduced case numbers for several years, likely leading to less population-wide immunity from recent infections. Finally, changes in case reporting by the CDC in 2020 may account for a 10-25% increase in reported cases of Oregon Whooping Cough.
Declining Tdap Vaccine Rates Concern Officials
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis. However, vaccination rates have fallen, particularly concerning for key groups. Maternal Tdap vaccination rates have declined statewide for Oregon Whooping Cough prevention. In 2024, only 69% of pregnant people received the Tdap vaccine, down from 72% in 2020. Rates vary greatly by county, from 17% to 82%, with rural counties often showing the lowest Tdap vaccine rates.
Prevention and Recommendations for Oregon Whooping Cough
Health officials strongly urge vaccination for all age groups. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, and is crucial for infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Children receive a series of five DTaP vaccines starting at two months old. Adolescents and adults need Tdap booster shots to maintain protection against whooping cough in Oregon.
A critical recommendation for pregnant individuals is to receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, between weeks 27 and 36 of gestation. This strategy protects newborns before they can be vaccinated by allowing maternal antibodies to pass to the baby, a vital step in combating infant whooping cough. Other caregivers, such as partners and grandparents, should also get a booster to help create a protective circle around infants vulnerable to Oregon Whooping Cough.
Dr. Howard Chiou, OHA’s medical director for communicable diseases, expressed concern. “I worry people may not fully appreciate the risk pertussis poses,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maternal vaccination. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen a statewide decline in maternal Tdap vaccination rates in Oregon, which is a dangerous trend,” he added, referring to the concerning Oregon Whooping Cough statistics.
Looking Ahead: Combating Oregon Whooping Cough
The current surge in whooping cough cases serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public health measures. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is vital, especially for protecting the most vulnerable from this contagious respiratory infection. Oregon and Washington County are monitoring the Oregon Whooping Cough situation closely. Public health efforts focus on increasing vaccination rates to curb this record-breaking outbreak. This news is a call to action for all Oregonians to address the rising Oregon Whooping Cough cases.
