It’s difficult to get anywhere in Michigan without hearing someone cough in the distance or, in many cases, directly over your shoulder. This wasn’t something we thought about until 2020, when the sound of someone coughing could be fatal.
Here we are, five years later, and the sound of someone coughing still makes many residents nervous—and rightfully so.
People should be concerned right now because the state is experiencing an increase in highly contagious illnesses, with cases spreading rapidly across communities.
This particular illness experienced a decrease during the pandemic, which could have been attributed to widespread social distancing, mask mandates, and an increased emphasis on hygiene.
Extremely Contagious Illness on the Rise in Michigan
According to Bridge Michigan, cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have increased dramatically since 2023, raising concerns among state health officials.
As of December 8, Michigan had confirmed 1,578 cases, a dramatic increase from the 110 reported in all of 2023. That number could be even higher now, given the recent holidays.
On a national level, the figures are even more staggering, with nearly 33,000 people infected with whooping cough by 2024. This represents an extremely large increase over the previous year, when the CDC reported only around 6,500 cases.
What Exactly is Whooping Cough (pertussis)?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It begins with cold-like symptoms, but quickly progresses to coughing fits that can make breathing difficult.
The “whooping” sound comes from the gasping breath you make after coughing. It’s especially hard on babies and young children, and despite being preventable with a vaccine, it’s making a comeback in some areas.
