National increase in vaccine preventable diseases

April 28, 2025

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Cases of  Whooping Cough (Pertussis) are being reported nationally as well as locally. Whooping Cough, also known as Pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It can spread person-to-person through the air, primarily by coughing and sneezing. 

Whooping Cough may initially begin with common cold symptoms but unlike a cold, the cough may last weeks or months. People are contagious at least 2 weeks from the onset of coughing.  When diagnosed early, taking antibiotics can shorten the amount of time someone is contagious.  It is a vaccine-preventable communicable disease.

North Carolina’s DTP, DTaP, or DT vaccination rate for kindergarten was 93.5% for the 2023-2024 school year. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Measles (Rubeola)

Nationally, cases of measles are continuing to rise. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) provided proactive steps to assist in preparing for any potential cases or outbreaks in a press release issued on March 28, 2025. At the time of the press release, no cases of measles had been reported in North Carolina. However, NC public health officials are urging everyone to take necessary precautions. NCDHHS is working with local health departments to ensure North Carolina is prepared for any potential outbreak.

Measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases. It is a virus that can be spread person-person through coughing and sneezing. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. It is a vaccine-preventable disease. North Carolina’s measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate for kindergartners was 93.8% for the 2023-2024 school year. Measles (Rubeola)