Whooping cough cases rising fast in SC. Here’s where and why, health officials say

South Carolina has seen a huge increase in cases of whooping cough so far this year compared to the same period in 2023.

Since January, 52 cases have been reported to the Department of Health and Environmental Control, compared with six in 2023 over the same time period.

By far, most of the recent cases have been in the Upstate — 47 — compared to one in the Midlands, four in the Lowcountry and none in the Pee Dee.

Last year there were four in the Upstate, one in the Midlands, one in the Pee Dee and none in the Lowcountry.

Casey White, DHEC spokesperson, said, “Pertussis rates cycle, sometimes year to year, both locally and nationally.”

She said declining vaccinations may be one reason for an increase as well as the highly contagious disease being spread in schools and childcare. Increased testing by health care providers may also affect the numbers recorded, she said.

Pertussis symptoms at first seem like the common cold, with runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough.

“But unlike the cold, pertussis can progress to significant, intense coughing episodes, which can lead to serious complications, especially for young children,” White said. “Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who don’t know they have it.”

Two vaccinations prevent pertussis:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines

Babies and children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP, while older children and adults receive Tdap.

“DHEC encourages everyone to talk with their health care provider about pertussis vaccination,” she said.