The Hawaii Health Department has confirmed five cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, among members of one household visiting Hawaii from the U.S. mainland. The state Health Department stated that one child from the household was hospitalized, and all five cases were unvaccinated.
The family stayed at a hotel on Oahu, and the Health Department is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other states to notify travelers who were exposed. The investigation has identified no close contacts after the family’s arrival in Hawaii.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacteria, which can spread easily from person to person through the air. It may begin like a common cold in its early stages, but can cause severe coughing fits in later stages that last up to 10 weeks or more. The coughing fits can cause a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in.
According to the CDC, whooping cough can lead to serious complications, especially in infants. From 2019 to 2023, there have been 89 confirmed and probable pertussis cases reported in Hawaii, including 28 that were linked to three outbreaks. The last confirmed case of pertussis in the state occurred last March.
The Health Department advised that the best way to protect individuals and their loved ones is to stay up to date with recommended whooping cough vaccines. Two vaccines used in the U.S. help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. Children younger than 7 years old get DTaP, while older children and adults receive Tdap.
