Louisiana Faced Mounting Whooping Cough Cases, Delayed Public Warning
Louisiana health officials were slow to alert the public about a growing whooping cough outbreak, even as cases surged and infant deaths occurred, according to a review of public health data and interviews with experts.The state is currently experiencing its worst outbreak in 35 years.
The Louisiana Department of Health reported 387 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) as of September 20, 2025, surpassing the previous high of 214 cases recorded in 2013, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least two infants died from the disease, with one death occurring in late 2024 – a fact the department acknowledged for the first time in a September 30th post on X (formerly Twitter).
Experts criticize the departmentS response, stating a public warning should have been issued within days or weeks of the first infant death, rather than months later.
“At minimum, it should be like heavy promotion of, ‘hey, infants are at high risk. they get infected by people who have waning immunity. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you have these symptoms, get tested,'” said Dr. Karan,of Stanford University.
Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a former health secretary for Maryland and professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg school of Public Health, emphasized the chance for public education following tragic deaths. “The risk of pertussis is always there, but when you have two infant deaths it’s a really good opportunity to communicate that this is a real threat to the health of children,” he said.
The department’s initial public communications regarding pertussis, prior to the September 30th X post, appeared to cease for four months despite rising hospitalizations and case numbers.
Dr. Joseph Bocchini, president of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, urged consistent and aggressive public health messaging. “Where people are updated on a regular basis and reminded of what needs to be done,” he said. “Get your vaccines. Moms, if you’re pregnant, get vaccinated.And if you have a cough illness, see your doctor.”
Louisiana State Health Officer Dr. Abraham said the department “consistently reported cases of pertussis and provided guidance to help residents stay protected” in 2025, and described the pertussis vaccine as ”one of the least controversial,” recommending it to his patients. The X post included a year-by-year graphic of pertussis cases that omitted 2024 and 2025.
