Dangerous Respiratory Illness Hits Record Highs In Arizona

Since the rise of COVID-19 in 2020, it seems we just keep getting hit with more and more infectious diseases.

The Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu, has been the major talking point in 2025, but an old disease has been making a major comeback, leading Arizonans to worry if they're safe.

What is Whooping Cough?

Otherwise known as Pertussis, the Whooping Cough is a respiratory illness that is only found in humans. Infants under the age of one and those that are immunocompromised are at the greatest risk for the disease.

The symptoms will appear to be that of a common cold to start off, runny noses, fevers, and a mild cough. After around two weeks, however, you'll begin to develop serious coughing fits known as paroxysms. These are violent fits, that will last up to 10 weeks in the worst cases, causing vomiting, trouble breathing, and at the worst, literally breaking a rib.

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Whooping Cough is Rising in Arizona

Nationwide, cases of Whooping Cough have been rising, but it's especially dire in the Grand Canyon State. Compared to the same time last year, cases have risen a whopping 80%, sending the Arizona Department of Health Services in a spiral.

Dr. Rahul Chawla, the intensive care pediatrician at Banner Health, says there's one reason for the spike: lack of vaccinations. Cases are rising in the state, and vaccinations are lowering, with a 4.5% decrease in Kindergarten vaccination rates since 2019.

The CDC recommends three DTaP vaccinations at two, four, and six months, as well as boosters later on, at 15-18 months, and four to six years old.

[Center for Disease Control][AZ Family]