MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County public health officials are urging residents to stay current on pertussis vaccinations following a sharp increase in reported cases of the illness, commonly known as whooping cough.
Since Jan. 1, the County of Monterey Health Department has received 43 reports of pertussis infections among county residents, compared with 11 cases reported during the same period in 2025. Officials noted the total number of cases reported during the first five months of 2026 already exceeds the 36 infections reported during all of 2025.
According to the county, reported cases this year involve individuals ranging in age from 3 months to 78 years old, with nearly half occurring among children ages 5 to 17.
Health officials said newborns face the greatest risk for serious complications from pertussis.
“I strongly encourage women to get vaccinated during weeks 27 to 36 of each pregnancy. Immunity developed by mothers during pregnancy is passed to newborn infants,” said Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County health officer and public health director. “I also encourage parents to vaccinate their babies on time, which helps babies strengthen their own immunity to pertussis.”
Officials also advised healthcare workers and adults who care for infants to ensure they have received at least one dose of the Tdap vaccine to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to vulnerable individuals.
Pertussis symptoms vary by age, according to the health department. In children, the illness often begins with a cough and runny nose lasting one to two weeks before progressing into rapid coughing spells that may end with a “whooping” sound. Young infants may not display typical symptoms and can experience episodes in which breathing stops or their face turns red or purple.
Pertussis vaccinations are available at pharmacies and medical provider offices throughout Monterey County. Most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, cover the cost of immunizations.
County officials also reminded families with children entering childcare, kindergarten or seventh grade this fall to confirm immunizations are current and meet school entry requirements.
More information about pertussis and vaccination providers is available through the Monterey County Health Department and the state’s MyTurn vaccination website myturn.cdph.ca.gov.
