The Hawaii Department of Health announced today that it has verified five cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, within a single household comprising visitors from the U.S. mainland. Among these cases, one child from the household required hospitalization, and all five individuals were unvaccinated.
Hawaii
The family, who stayed at an Oahu hotel, has prompted the Department of Health (DOH) to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other states to inform exposed travelers. However, the DOH investigation found no close contacts after the family’s arrival in Hawaii.
Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacteria, can easily spread through the air from person to person. While its early stages may resemble a common cold, later stages can result in severe coughing fits lasting up to 10 weeks or more, often accompanied by a distinctive “whoop” sound during inhalation.
This recent outbreak underscores the seriousness of pertussis, particularly in infants who may not exhibit coughing but could experience complications such as turning blue or struggling to breathe. From 2019 to 2023, Hawaii reported 89 confirmed and probable pertussis cases, with 28 linked to three outbreaks.
The DOH emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with recommended whooping cough vaccines, including DTaP for children under 7 and Tdap for older children, teens, and adults. Pregnant individuals are advised to receive a Tdap vaccine during the third trimester to protect their infants early in life.
If individuals or their children experience symptoms like a runny nose, fever, violent and rapid coughs, or difficulties breathing, turning blue or purple, the DOH urges prompt medical attention.
