Rise in Pertussis Cases Doubles According to DOH
The state of Hawaii is currently grappling with an increase in cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. According to the Department of Health (DOH), as of July 31, 2025, there have been 203 confirmed cases of pertussis statewide, more than double the total cases seen in all of 2024 [1].
The highest rates of pertussis have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaii Island. The situation is particularly concerning as most of those affected are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status [2][3][4][5].
Dr. Kenneth Fink, the director of the DOH, has stated that the high number of pertussis cases means there's a greater risk of getting exposed to pertussis in the community. He advises that if an infant has not yet been vaccinated, parents should consider doing so to reduce the risk of hospitalization or even death [1].
Pertussis is a highly contagious air-borne respiratory disease that spreads through coughs and sneezes of an infected person. The symptoms of pertussis resemble a cold at the disease's onset and can progress to intense coughing fits that children often follow with a deep inhalation that creates a "whooping" sound [6]. Ongoing health complications can be serious or life-threatening, especially for infants and young children who are not fully vaccinated [7].
To combat this outbreak, health officials are urging the public to take several preventative measures. First and foremost, they recommend vaccination and keeping immunizations up to date, particularly as students return to school. The DTaP vaccine, in use for over 30 years, is recommended for children at 2 months of age, while the Tdap vaccine, used for almost 20 years, helps protect adolescents, adults, and pregnant women [8].
In addition, the DOH encourages the implementation of a "cocooning strategy" to create a "circle of protection" around infants. This strategy involves vaccinating parents, siblings, grandparents, child care staff, caregivers, and health care providers to protect infants who have not yet completed their vaccination series [9].
Furthermore, health officials advise covering coughs and practicing good respiratory hygiene to minimize the spread of pertussis and other respiratory diseases. They also emphasize raising public awareness that pertussis is circulating in the community and is transmitted from person to person, emphasizing early vaccination as the best preventive measure [1].
The DOH has not provided information on the exact locations of the new pertussis cases in Hawaii County. However, Hawaii County has had 78 cases of pertussis as of July 31, 2025, but the exact locations of the cases were not disclosed [10].
With the number of pertussis cases in 2025 more than double the total cases seen in all of 2024, it's clear that this is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. By following the recommendations of health officials and staying vigilant, we can work together to control the outbreak and protect our communities from this highly contagious respiratory illness.
[1] State of Hawaii Department of Health Press Release [2] CDC Pertussis Webpage [3] Hawaii Department of Health Pertussis Webpage [4] Hawaii Department of Health Vaccine Information [5] Hawaii Department of Health Vaccine Schedules [6] CDC Pertussis Symptoms [7] CDC Pertussis Complications [8] CDC DTaP Vaccine Information [9] CDC Tdap Vaccine Information [10] Hawaii County Pertussis Cases
