A surge in a “Victorian” disease is leaving a trail of dead unvaccinated babies, prompting experts to warn parents that their decision to skip the jab is putting lives at grave risk.
More than 25,000 cases of whooping cough have been recorded in the US so far this year. This marks the second year in a row with higher cases than usual, according to federal data. Last year saw a fivefold increase in cases from 2023.
Whooping cough is an extremely contagious and potentially deadly respiratory illness caused by bacteria. Its toxins damage the respiratory tract’s cilia – the tiny, hair-like structures on the surface of cells. Also called pertussis, it is spread by coughing and sneezing.
The soaring cases have come hand in hand with falling vaccinations. Experts warn the trend is driven by antivaccination misinformation and laws that make it easier for parents to opt out.
Several deaths have been recorded in Louisiana, Washington state and Kentucky, with outbreaks also recorded in Texas, Florida, California and Oregon.
All three of Kentucky’s infant mortalities were unvaccinated, and are the state’s first deaths from the disease in seven years. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants under a year old, with some stopping breathing during coughing fits.
The CDC urges pregnant women to get the vaccine during pregnancy to allow the antibodies to pass to the baby before birth.
State data showed that Texas reported 1928 cases in 2024, but by October 2025 it had more than 3500.
Texas lawmakers recently passed a law that made it easier for parents to claim non-medical exemptions from school vaccine requirements by allowing them to download the forms online, according to CBS News.
Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Phil Huang said that normally, during back-to-school season, the whole front downstairs area is packed, but he did not see that this year.
He believes fear of immigration enforcement may be keeping some families, especially Hispanic, from getting vaccinated.