Whooping Cough Cases By State 2024 Washington State. Whooping cough pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can cause serious illness in people of all ages but is most dangerous for babies. Protecting people at highest risk of serious illness is the primary focus during outbreaks.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is common in the united states, with frequent outbreaks. The cdc reported 17,579 whooping cough cases in the u.s.