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Resurgence of pertussis--United States, 1993

    Insights

    Pertussis (whooping cough) cases surged by 82% in 1993, reaching the highest annual count since 1967. This increase was observed across 35 states, with significant outbreaks in major cities.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health Surveillance

    Background:

    • Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.
    • Reported cases of pertussis have shown significant fluctuations over the years.
    • Understanding current trends is crucial for public health interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To summarize the epidemiologic characteristics of pertussis cases reported in 1993.
    • To analyze the increase in pertussis incidence compared to the previous year.
    • To identify geographical patterns and outbreak locations of pertussis.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of pertussis case data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    • Comparison of case counts from January 3 to December 4, 1993, with the same period in 1992.
    • Geographic mapping of reported cases across different US regions and states.

    Main Results:

    • A total of 5457 pertussis cases were reported by December 4, 1993.
    • This represents an 82% increase compared to 3004 cases reported during the same period in 1992.
    • The number of reported cases increased in 35 states, with notable rises in New England, Middle Atlantic, North Central, and Mountain regions, and significant outbreaks in Chicago and Cincinnati.

    Conclusions:

    • The year 1993 experienced a substantial resurgence of pertussis, marking the highest incidence since 1967.
    • The widespread increase across numerous states highlights a concerning national trend in whooping cough.
    • The identified outbreaks underscore the need for continued surveillance and targeted public health strategies.

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