Courtesy Photo by DHD4 Pictured above is the TDaP vaccine, given as a booster in four doses to children between the ages of 2 and 18 months old, with a booster given between ages 4 and 6 to prevent pertussis, (whooping cough). The DHD4 recommends that adults, including pregnant women, and children around infants receive an additional booster called TDaP, to prevent potential pertussis exposure.

ALPENA — The District Health Department No. 4 announced rising cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in Michigan in a recent press release.

The DHD4 cites that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) findings report 497 identified pertussis cases in Michigan in 2025, thus far. DHD4 says cases have been reported in Oscoda County.

The DHD4 states that the rise in pertussis cases aligns with lower rates of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine. DHD4 states that as of 2024, 72.5% of children had received their recommended doses of DTaP. This statistic is a 6.5% decline from a 79% vaccine DTaP rate from 2014.

Pertussis is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract and can be spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing, the DHD4 states. Touching contaminated objects can also spread the disease. DHD4 explains that pertussis can cause a severe cough that lasts for weeks or months. Infants often get pertussis from older siblings or adults, and the disease can be fatal for babies and people with weakened immune systems.

According to the press release, early symptoms of pertussis can mimic a common cold, and sometimes take 5 to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Babies and young children with pertussis may not cough, but may have pauses in their breathing (i.e. apnea), which can make their skin look blue or cause shortness of breath. Later symptoms may include uncontrolled coughing fits and vomiting.

“If you or your child has symptoms of whooping cough, isolate the infected person and seek medical treatment, especially if there are signs of respiratory distress,” Kelly Girard, DHD4 nursing director, said in the press release. “If caught early, treatment can reduce the risk of serious illness and possibly prevent it from being passed on to others.”

The DHD4 states that the best protection against pertussis is to get vaccinated. According to the DHD4, vaccination also works to build “herd-immunity,” helping protect those who cannot receive the vaccination due to age or other conditions.

The press release states that doctors recommend the vaccine be given to children at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months old, and an additional booster at 4 to 6 years old. According to the DHD4, protection from pertussis is not at full strength until the vaccination series is complete.

DHD4 also recommends that children and adults, including pregnant women, receive the pertussis booster shot (Tdap) to protect themselves and babies near or around them.

The DHD4 encourages anyone who is not vaccinated against pertussis to receive the vaccination and can book a vaccination appointment at 1-800-504-2650.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.