Whooping cough cases are on the rise in 2025, with 8,485 cases being reported so far. This is compared to 4,266 cases for the same period of time in 2024. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is particularly dangerous for babies and young children, and can be prevented through vaccination. 80% of those exposed who have not been vaccinated will develop the infection. The World Health Organization estimates that 160,700 children under five die from pertussis each year. (Study Finds)