Pertussis
Version: November 2025
Introduction
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes, primarily affecting infants and young children, although adults can also be infected. The illness is characterized by severe coughing fits, which can end with a “whooping” sound as patients struggle to inhale. Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, and even death, particularly in infants. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis, with the DTaP vaccine given to children and the Tdap booster recommended for adults and pregnant women.
Highlights
- Rising Cases: Pertussis cases surged notably from late 2023, peaking in April 2024 with over 91,000 cases. This spike suggests potential transmission or pathogen changes.
- Recent Decline: By November 2025, cases decreased to 1,246, reflecting effective public health measures and increased immunity. No recent deaths highlight improved health responses.
- Mortality: Despite variable cases, low death rates indicate successful clinical management.
- Seasonal Patterns: Case peaks in summer months reveal seasonal trends, helping guide future interventions and healthcare readiness.
Analysis
Cases Analysis
The pertussis case data from mainland China, from November 2015 to November 2025, shows a notable fluctuation over time. Initially, from late 2015 to 2019, there was a marked increase in cases, peaking in 2019 with 4,388 cases reported in August. This growth trend was abruptly interrupted in 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset. During 2020, a steep decline occurred, with the lowest point in July at just 131 cases. The drop in numbers could be linked to measures like lockdowns and heightened hygiene practices, which likely disrupted pertussis transmission.
Starting mid-2021, pertussis cases resurged, continuing upward into early 2024. This period saw a stark rise, peaking in April 2024 with 91,272 reported cases, followed by a consistent decline through the end of 2025. Several factors may be influencing these trends, including variations in health policy, shifts in vaccination campaigns, or the impact of healthcare burdens during the pandemic. It’s also worth noting that deaths remained low despite case fluctuations, suggesting potential improvements in clinical management or healthcare access. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of pertussis epidemiology in the region, potentially impacted by external public health challenges and interventions.
Deaths Analysis
The analysis of pertussis-related deaths in the Chinese mainland reveals a complex temporal pattern, reflecting both fluctuations in case numbers and apparent inconsistencies in mortality rates. Initially, between November 2015 and early 2020, reported cases of pertussis steadily rose from 377 to a peak of 4388 cases in August 2019, with accompanying deaths only sporadically reported across these years (averaging below 1% of cases). This period indicates a relatively stable environment, with occasional fatalities despite the higher caseloads in latter years, suggesting an improvement in clinical management and potential advances in healthcare access or vaccination coverage during these years.
However, the data from early 2023 through mid-2024 showcases a dramatic increase in both reported cases and corresponding deaths. Beginning in early 2024, pertussis cases surged to unprecedented levels, peaking at over 91,000 in April 2024, accompanied by a notable increase in reported deaths. Despite a subsequent decline in cases post-mid-2024, the spike in mortality during this period, with deaths frequently breaching single digits monthly and reaching up to eight deaths in February 2024, could indicate external factors influencing mortality, such as strain virulence, healthcare resource limitations, or gaps in public health interventions. These new trends underscore the need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance and strategic healthcare responses to manage the resurging pertussis waves effectively.