CINCINNATI — A highly contagious respiratory infection is on the rise across the state, becoming a cause for concern for Ohioans. 

What You Need To Know

  •  There are more than 630 cases of whooping cough cases in Ohio

  •  Those cases are up more than 400% than last year 

  • Not getting vaccinated and socializing more is why some medical experts believe those numbers are up 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than 630 whooping cough cases in Ohio this year. That’s nearly six times the number the state experienced in all of last year- and it is by far more cases than any other state has had this year.

Medical experts believe the increase in cases is due to people not getting the Tdap vaccine which protects against pertussis. The CDC recommends adults get vaccinated every 10 years. Children receive their first dose at 2 months and several times before they start grade school. 

“I think we’re seeing higher numbers because we’re more interactive with each other and we’re not wearing masks,” said Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, University of Cincinnati professor of infectious diseases. “Whereas before, when we were wearing masks and we were less interactive, we saw a decline in the number of cases.”

If you suspect you have whooping cough, you are encouraged to seek medical attention. You can get tested and get medication to help recover from it. 

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