PAHO urges strengthened surveillance and childhood vaccination amid rising pertussis cases – PAHO/WHO

Washington, DC, June 4, 2025 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently issued an alert in response to the cases of growing coughing cough (Raine cough) in the region of the Americas. The Paho calls countries to closely strengthen epidemiological surveillance, closely monitor the child vaccination coverage and take immediate measures to close immunization gaps, particularly among children under 1 and under 5 years.

Perain cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the border bordetella pertussis, spreads through respiratory drops when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Start with mild fever, nasal secretion and cough, progressing to severe cough accessories followed by a sharp «shout» sound when inhale. The disease is especially dangerous for babies, who can face serious complications or death.

In 2025, 7 countries in the region of the Americas (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, United States, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru) reported outbreaks of Ferusis cough, with 14,201 cases and 93 deaths in mid -May. In 2024, the region reported a provisional total of 43,751 cases. However, 2025 cases already exceed 4,139 cases in 2023 and 3,283 cases in 2022.

This resurgence is not limited to the Americas, since the global cases of the town cough are also increasing. From 2010 to 2019, an average of 170,000 cases was reported annually. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the cases fell to 29,000 in 2021, but more than 158,000 in 2023 were recovered, driven by the decrease in child vaccination rates.

In 5 of the 7 countries with available outbreaks and data, the coverage of the third dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and whore cough (DTP) (DTP3) (DTP3) in 2024 fell below the 95%recommended Paho. The regional coverage for the first doses (DTP1) and Third (DTP3) fell to historical minimums of 87% and 81% in 2021, with a partial recovery to 90% and 88% in 2023. Significant subnational disparities persist.

The PAHO urges countries to achieve and maintain at least 95% coverage for the DTP series of three doses in children under 1 years, to guarantee reinforcement dose during childhood and adolescence, and vaccinate pregnant women in areas of outbreaks and health workers who serve the newborns.