El Paso is seeing a troubling rise in whooping cough cases, mainly due to vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the city’s health authority, pointed out that doubts about vaccine safety are contributing to this surge. He stated, “The increase in pertussis is definitely about hesitation regarding vaccination.”
As of September, El Paso has reported 20 cases of whooping cough—a significant jump from just three cases last year. This bacterial infection, known as pertussis, is particularly dangerous for infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
To put things in perspective, here’s the increase in whooping cough cases reported in El Paso:
- 2025: 20 (as of September)
- 2024: 8
- 2023: 0
- 2022: 0
- 2021: 1
Dr. Ocaranza stressed the importance of the TDAP vaccine, particularly for families with newborns. He emphasized, “Every time there’s a newborn in the family, everyone should get a booster or the TDAP vaccine.”
In response to the rise in cases, the city is working to make the TDAP vaccine more accessible. Health clinics now offer it to everyone, even those without insurance or on Medicaid or Medicare. “Staying updated with vaccines is crucial,” Dr. Ocaranza remarked. “It protects not only the young ones but also the adults.”
This increase mirrors a broader trend observed in the U.S., where the CDC has reported rising cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, often linked to vaccine skepticism. For context, in 2019, the U.S. experienced its highest numbers of measles in decades, reflecting similar hesitancy.
Additionally, according to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 1 in 4 adults express doubts about vaccine safety. These attitudes can have serious consequences for public health, especially for vulnerable populations.
Experts agree that educating communities is key. Addressing concerns openly can help rebuild trust in vaccines. Public health campaigns highlighting the safety and efficacy of immunizations are essential.
For more information on vaccine availability in El Paso, visit the city’s health department’s resource page here.
