Infants who later received the whole-cell vaccine had significantly higher levels of nasal antibodies than those given the acellular vaccine.
Cases rise as government leaders minimize the need for vaccines.
But vaccine uptake was suboptimal, particularly for the flu vaccine.
More than 50 counties in Arkansas have logged at least one case of whooping cough.
The CDC also provided data on the rise of subclade K among H3N2 flu viruses ahead of holiday gatherings.
The poll reveals that up to 30% of Americans do not know whooping cough is also called pertussis.
In addition, the emergence of the influenza A H3N2 subclade K virus fueled a record number of flu cases in Australia this year and extended the season, which may have implications for the Northern Hemisphere season.
Pertussis vaccination coverage dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 87% first-dose coverage in the Americas region.
Despite sustained high vaccine coverage, outbreaks continue to occur every 3 to 5 years in some countries.
More than 25,000 cases of whooping cough have been reported so far in 2025.
Texas health officials say the state has a seen a fourfold increase in whooping cough cases compared with last year.
Officials waited more than 3 months after 2 whooping cough deaths to issue a statewide health alert.
Whooping cough cases in Florida have risen by 81% this year compared with 2024.
Compared with the WHO pertussis case definition, a modified definition including apnea and omitting cough duration improved sensitivity but lowered specificity.
Mississippi has recorded 115 pertussis cases this year, sharply higher than in 2024.
Earlier this month, RFK Jr said he does not believe the federal government should mandate any vaccine.
Since 2024, antibiotic-resistant pertussis cases have been detected in 4 nations in the Americas: Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and the US.
No deaths have been recorded in Mississippi this year, but 10 patients have been hospitalized.
Of the 19.9 million children who either have no vaccines or only partial DTP vaccination coverage, 55% live in 10 countries.
These are the first whooping cough deaths in the state since 2018.
