Oklahoma seeing largest whooping cough outbreak in decades, experts say

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma health experts are raising concerns about the rise in whooping cough cases.

Since October, doctors say they've been seeing an increase in cases.

"This is the largest whooping cough outbreak Oklahoma has experienced in 69 years," said Dr. George Monks, former president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

According to the CDC, so far for 2025, there has been 77 cases of whooping cough.

In 2024, there were 469 total cases and in 2020, the state only saw 20 cases.

"A lot of people missed their vaccinations during the pandemic, a lot of missed well-child checks and then also, there's more and more vaccine hesitancy," said Dr. Monks.

Doctors say whooping cough can be prevented if you are vaccinated.

The illness starts out like a common cold, then progresses into an uncontrollable high-pitched cough.

Infants can have severe complications.

"Our biggest risk for hospitalization is in our babies that are less than six months of age and about a third of kids under 12 months who get whooping cough will actually have to be hospitalized," said Dr. Stephanie DeLeon, associate chief medical officer, Oklahoma Children's Hospital.

It can be fatal; the infant death rate is 2%.

"Babies that haven't gotten their first vaccine are at risk for something called apnea, which means they will stop breathing," said Dr. DeLeon.

Expecting mothers can get the vaccine, while pregnant.

If you have a baby not old enough for the vaccine, doctors say before anyone comes in contact with them, they should have an up-to-date vaccine.

Adults should get the vaccine every ten years. It is readily available with your health care provider or local pharmacy.

We also reached out to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, who sent the following statement.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is monitoring pertussis activity closely and is actively working with public health partners to increase awareness about pertussis prevention strategies

OSDH