Louisiana Took Months to Sound Alarm Amid Whooping Cough Outbreak
10 days ago
- #public health
- #outbreak
- #vaccination
- Louisiana experienced its worst whooping cough outbreak in 35 years, with delayed public health responses.
- Whooping cough (pertussis) is highly contagious and dangerous for infants, causing severe symptoms and even death.
- Two infants died in Louisiana by late January, but the state took months to issue public alerts or vaccination reminders.
- State Surgeon General Ralph Abraham discouraged vaccine promotion, aligning with anti-vaccine rhetoric.
- Louisiana's health department failed to communicate timely warnings, leading to increased cases and hospitalizations.
- By September 2025, Louisiana had 387 pertussis cases, surpassing previous records, with minimal public updates.
- Experts criticized the delayed response, emphasizing the need for proactive vaccination campaigns and public education.