US Facing Largest Pertussis Outbreak In A Decade

Bloomberg (9/30, Suvarna, Subscription Publication) reports, “The US is in the midst of the biggest pertussis outbreak in a decade, with 15,661 cases and two deaths reported this year through the middle of September.” The surge in cases “may be more than just a return to pre-Covid levels, according to researchers and public health officials.” Low vaccination “rates, vaccines that are less effective than previous versions and genetic changes in the bacteria may be threatening the herd immunity that protected the vulnerable for decades.” A drop in herd immunity “is putting everyone at risk.” According to Bloomberg, “the shorter protection period means even those who have been vaccinated may have a false sense of security.”