SACRAMENTO, United States, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Whooping cough cases have surged dramatically across the United States, reaching their highest levels in a decade with more than 33,000 reported cases this year -- nearly five times the number from the same period last year, according to federal data.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s latest weekly Notifiable Infectious Disease Data showed 424 new cases were reported in the week ending Dec. 21, pushing the year-to-date total to 33,387. This marks a stark increase from the 6,733 cases recorded during the same period last year.

The northeastern central region has emerged as the hardest hit, reporting 8,478 cases -- nearly five times the 1,808 cases recorded last year. Defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, this region includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Within this area, Illinois and Wisconsin have each reported over 2,000 cases, while Michigan and Ohio have surpassed 1,600 cases.

Pennsylvania has experienced the nation's most dramatic surge, reporting 2,864 cases -- a staggering 7.6-fold increase from last year's 376 cases. Other severely affected areas include New York State, including New York City, with over 2,600 cases, and California, the nation's most populous state, which has recorded 1,749 cases.

Experts suggest that pandemic-era mitigation measures, such as masking and social distancing, have likely suppressed whooping cough transmission in recent years.

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness characterized by its distinctive "whoop" sound -- a gasping noise made when patients struggle for air after severe coughing fits. While initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold, the persistent cough can last for weeks or months, with patients remaining contagious for weeks after symptoms first appear.

The disease can affect people of all ages, even those who have been vaccinated. However, vaccinated individuals typically experience milder symptoms, according to the CDC.

Babies younger than one year old are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough and having severe complications from it. People with pre-existing health conditions that may be worsened by whooping cough are at high risk for developing a severe infection, the CDC said.

Infants and young children face heightened risks due to their smaller, narrower windpipes. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia warned that the disease's constriction of airways can be dangerous or even fatal for young patients.

"Stay vaccinated and boosted" is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease, said the hospital. Enditem

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