In the first half of 2025, Taiwan has recorded 35 domestic whooping cough (pertussis) cases, the highest count for this period in the past ten years, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This resurgence raises concern for public health officials, especially as 17 of these cases occurred in June alone, marking an unusual spike.
đź“Ś Key Outbreak Details
The CDC revealed that one school cluster and three household clusters were responsible for the recent rise. The most significant outbreak occurred at a school in northern Taiwan, where five students were infected, making it the largest school-related outbreak since 2013.
This school cluster began with a teenager who had been vaccinated but still developed symptoms in late May. The student had no travel history and was primarily active in their home and school environments. Shortly after, four family members also showed symptoms and were confirmed positive. Eventually, four classmates were also diagnosed, bringing the total in the cluster to nine.
🧬 Epidemiological Analysis
CDC Deputy Director Lee Chia-lin noted that the recent surge is “highly unusual”, particularly the clustering and scale of student infections. The age distribution of the 35 total cases shows that:
- 37% were aged 11–18, indicating a higher susceptibility in adolescents.
- 23% were infants under 6 months old, a group too young for full vaccination.
This pattern suggests waning immunity among adolescents and incomplete protection for infants. While vaccination remains the primary prevention tool, its efficacy diminishes over time without booster doses, especially in teenagers and adults.
🏥 Household Clusters and Regional Spread
Aside from the school outbreak, the CDC traced three separate household clusters:
- Two cases in central Taiwan
- Three in northern Taiwan
- Two in southern Taiwan
These clusters prompted contact tracing and health monitoring, which are expected to continue through mid to late July.
🛡️ Public Health Measures & Warnings
CDC Spokesperson Lo Yi-chun emphasized the importance of awareness:
“A cluster of nine in a single outbreak and 17 cases in one month is alarming. The trend demands public vigilance and proactive response.”
The CDC has ramped up surveillance, alerting medical facilities to consider pertussis in patients with persistent cough, especially when they involve children or teenagers with close household contact. Schools have been instructed to report respiratory clusters immediately and consider temporary closures or disinfection if outbreaks expand.
Taiwan’s existing vaccination schedule includes the DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, followed by boosters at 18 months and 5 years. However, booster uptake in teens and adults remains low, leaving gaps in community immunity.
đź“– FAQs
Why is whooping cough rising again in Taiwan?
Waning immunity in adolescents and incomplete protection for infants are primary causes. Gaps in booster coverage contribute to the resurgence.
Is the vaccine not working?
The DTaP vaccine is effective but requires booster shots over time. Immunity can wane after 5–10 years without additional doses.
Can vaccinated people still get pertussis?
Yes. While vaccinated individuals have milder symptoms and lower risk of complications, they can still contract and transmit the disease.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
Early symptoms include runny nose, mild fever, and a mild cough. Later, the cough becomes severe, with characteristic “whooping” sounds, especially in children.
What is being done to contain the outbreaks?
The CDC is conducting contact tracing, monitoring exposed individuals, promoting vaccination awareness, and instructing schools and clinics to report potential cases promptly.
