JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirmed that an infant in the state recently died from pertussis. According to the agency, the infant was less than two months old and was not age-eligible to be vaccinated against pertussis.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughs that make it hard to breathe. It most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies under one year old. 

Health officials said 115 pertussis cases have been reported to MSDH since January 1, 2025, as of the publication of this article. They said this is a sharp increase from the 49 pertussis cases reported during 2024. Including this death, there have been three pediatric pertussis deaths reported in Mississippi since 2008.

According to MSDH, vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against pertussis and is recommended for everyone. DTaP is recommended for younger children, while Tdap is recommended for older children, pregnant women and adults. Infants should receive DTaP vaccinations at two, four, and six months followed by two booster doses at 15 to 18 months and at four to six years. Pre-teens should receive a single dose of Tdap at 11 to 12 years to boost their immunity.

Health officials said pregnant women should receive a single dose of Tdap during each pregnancy in the 27th to 36th week of pregnancy to help protect their newborns from pertussis during their first few months of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommend a single dose of Tdap for adults who have never received Tdap.

Pertussis vaccines for those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program are available at County Health Departments. Insurance, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also accepted for children’s pertussis vaccines. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.msdh.ms.gov/vfc. 

Adults who are underinsured or uninsured qualify for an adult pertussis vaccination at MSDH County Health Department clinics. Pertussis vaccinations for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies, and retail centers.

To see if you qualify for a free vaccination, call (855) 767-0710 or click here to schedule an appointment.

MSDH said there are other ways to reduce the spread of pertussis whether you are vaccinated or not. These measures include:

• Treatment with appropriate antibiotics if you have been exposed to pertussis.
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Staying at home when you or your children are sick.
• Washing your hands frequently and keeping them away from your face.