Global Incidence of Pertussis After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Importance: Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. It induces prolonged cough in all age groups and is a severe, life-threatening disease in young infants.

Observations: In an online workshop organized by the International Bordetella Society on November 12, 2024, most participating countries reported very low pertussis incidence during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, many countries have seen large outbreaks of pertussis, particularly in adolescents. Before the pandemic, several countries, especially those using acellular pertussis vaccine in infants, reported circulating B pertussis isolates that lacked the acellular vaccine antigen pertactin. However, most recent isolates have been found to express this antigen. A rise in macrolide-resistant B pertussis isolates was also reported by several countries.

Conclusions and relevance: The potential for large outbreaks of pertussis highlights the importance of maintaining or increasing vaccine coverage in pregnancy and in infants and children. The data presented herein suggest a need for new pertussis vaccines that protect against both disease and infection and that reduce transmission.