North Carolina Faces Whooping Cough Surge: Is Fading Vaccine Immunity to Blame?

Most people know whooping cough by its distinctive name. It’s named for the “whoop” sound made when someone tries to breathe after a coughing fit. The Corbin family in Chapel Hill learned about this firsthand. Eleven-year-old Alex Corbin battled a harsh cough for two months. It led to sleepless nights and left him gasping for air. His mother, Jennifer, was shocked as Alex had received his vaccinations against the illness.

Cases of whooping cough are rising in North Carolina. Recent outbreaks are being linked to waning immunity in vaccinated kids. In Buncombe County alone, there were 84 cases reported mid-September 2025, compared to just 77 for the entire year of 2024. This uptick is concerning, especially since prior years generally saw only a handful of cases annually.

As a contagious respiratory illness, whooping cough’s cycle can vary. Experts say that with fewer COVID-19 measures in place, the number of cases has increased to levels not seen in decades. In fact, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services noted that the pandemic’s isolation measures had initially led to fewer cases of whooping cough.

Historically, whooping cough was a major childhood disease. Before the vaccine was introduced in the 1940s, it caused high mortality rates among children. While cases decreased significantly after vaccination began—plummeting from 200,000 annually to just under 19,000 by 2019—the current surge shows how important it is to maintain vaccination rates.

Vaccination is key in preventing these outbreaks. Children receive their first DTaP vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months old, with booster shots later on. In North Carolina, DTaP vaccination rates climbed to 94% last year. Yet, more families are opting out of vaccinations for non-medical reasons. Non-medical exemptions for kindergarten students rose to 3.1%, up from just 0.9% a decade ago.

The consequences of missed vaccinations can be severe. Vaccinated individuals can still carry and spread whooping cough, making it crucial to stay alert for symptoms. Early signs are often mild—similar to a cold—but can escalate quickly. Infants are especially at risk; about one in three babies with whooping cough need hospital care.

Experts advise vigilance. If you or a family member has been in contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough, it’s important to seek evaluation, even if symptoms resemble a common cold.

In summary, while vaccination remains an effective tool against whooping cough, ongoing education and awareness are vital to combatting its resurgence. Keeping vaccination rates high protects the most vulnerable in our communities.



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