Dangerous Infection is Spreading Through Michigan Faster Than Usual

When the seasons change, we often experience annoying illnesses as our bodies adapt to a new environment. In addition, the way people view vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic has made certain illnesses more challenging than before.

Michigan is experiencing an increase in cases of a specific illness that could be prevented more easily. However, the FDA and CDC are worried about the increase in cases this year compared to last year, as reported by an article from Newsweek.

There has been a significant increase in cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, across the country in 2024. In the past year, there were 1,755 reported cases of whooping cough up until the 21st week of the year. According to national reports, there were 4,876 cases this year.

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In Michigan, the number of cases has increased from 23 in 2023 to 75 so far in 2024. Michigan has not experienced the largest increase in cases. For instance, Illinois has seen 389 cases, while last year they only had 60. However, the numbers indicate a worrying pattern.

Additionally, Michigan was among the 15 states (excluding Illinois) that reported a new case in the past week. The total number of new cases nationwide was 138. Nearly half of the cases were in the Mid-Atlantic region of New York (excluding New York City) and Pennsylvania.

Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory infection that is often seen in children who are of school age. However, it can be especially harmful to babies and people with weakened immune systems. Complications for those individuals can vary from pneumonia or seizure to death.

Whooping cough usually starts with mild cold-like symptoms, but then progresses to severe coughing fits that make a “whooping” sound. These fits can also cause vomiting and exhaustion.

Many people receive a vaccination for the infection when they are young, but the protection from the vaccination decreases over time. Boosters are often not given much consideration, but they can actually help prevent getting sick.