Whooping cough can be fatal in young infants, experts warn
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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-Dec-2025 22:11 ET (31-Dec-2025 03:11 GMT/UTC)
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is on the rise and incidence now exceeds pre-pandemic numbers. While in adults and older children the cough can be bothersome and last for months, pertussis in young infants can be life-threatening. Most children under 2 months of age with pertussis in the United States are hospitalized. In a special article published in Pediatrics, experts strongly encourage vaccination, especially during pregnancy.