Hawaii Faces Whooping Cough Surge: Health Officials Urge Vaccination

Hawaii, the paradise where honeymooners trade vows and leis, is now battling a less romantic guest: pertussis, or whooping cough, which is spreading at an alarming pace. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) reported 108 cases as of May 15, 2025, surpassing the 84 cases for all of 2024. This highly contagious respiratory disease travels through coughs and sneezes, starting with cold-like symptoms before escalating into intense coughing fits, often with a signature "whoop" in children.

The stakes are high, especially for infants and young kids not fully vaccinated, who face risks like pneumonia, seizures, or worse. The DOH emphasizes that vaccination—via DTaP for kids under 7 and Tdap for older children and adults—is the best defense. Yet, Hawaii’s vaccination rates have slipped below the national average, a troubling trend mirrored nationwide since 2019. Experts like Dr. Marc Siegel note the DTaP vaccine offers near-perfect protection when properly dosed, while boosters are critical as immunity wanes over time.

Pregnant women are urged to get the Tdap shot in their third trimester to shield newborns. Meanwhile, Hawaii dodged a measles bullet in April with just two cases and no further spread, but the DOH warns travelers could reintroduce it, with over 1,000 U.S. cases across 30 states this year. The message is clear: stay vaccinated, stay vigilant.