Whooping Cough Continues to Spread in Wyoming

Wyoming Department of Health officials are expressing concern over the continued active, current spread of pertussis throughout the state. Department of Health Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit Manager Clay Van Houten said there have been 30 confirmed cases of pertussis, better known as whooping cough in Wyoming so far this year and that roughly two-thirds of the reported cases have been among Sheridan County residents. According to the Department of Health,  there were 19 reported Wyoming cases in 2024, zero in 2023 and two in 2022. Van Houten said the sharp increase in reports they started seeing in late 2024, which has continued through this year’s early months, is significant and is concerning.

Actual case numbers are likely higher because many illnesses are not recognized as pertussis and others may not be reported. Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms and perhaps a mild cough. Pertussis is often not suspected or diagnosed until a persistent cough with spasms sets in after one to two weeks. Infants and children can cough violently and rapidly with a loud “whooping” sound.

State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist said that more than half of infants less than one year of age who become ill with pertussis need to be hospitalized and that in some cases, it can be deadly for infants as they are simply more vulnerable and don’t yet have the protection pertussis vaccines offer. Harrist added that the Tdap adolescent/adult pertussis booster vaccine is especially important for those spending time with new infants such as parents, grandparents and other people who take care of them and that if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about a Tdap vaccine because that can also help protect newborns.

Harrist recommends in general all residents stay up to date with pertussis vaccines as those who still become ill with pertussis after vaccination are less likely to have a severe experience. More information about pertussis can be found here.