The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) confirmed five cases of pertussis (whooping cough) among members of a single household which included a child who was hospitalized. The unvaccinated family traveled from the U.S. mainland and stayed at an O‘ahu hotel.

DOH is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other states to notify travelers who were exposed. DOH’s investigationidentified no close contacts after the family’s arrival in Hawai‘i.

From 2019-2023, there have been 89 confirmed and probable pertussis cases reported in Hawai‘i, including 28 cases linked to three outbreaks. Prior to the current case, the last case occurred in March of 2023.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It can cause severe coughing fits (up to 10 weeks or more), followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in.

Whooping cough can lead to serious complications, especially in infants, such as pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and brain damage. Infants may not cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) or struggle to breathe.

Individuals diagnosed with whooping cough should take antibiotics as prescribed and avoid contact with others until they are no longer contagious. People can spread the bacteria from the start of the very first symptoms and for at least two weeks after coughing begins. Taking antibiotics early in the illness may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious. Learn more about treatment.

CDC recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause whooping cough and other respiratory illnesses.

For more information about pertussis (whooping cough) visit the CDC website.