Whooping cough is on the rise in the Inland Empire, where Riverside and San Bernardino county officials say numbers are up from previous years. Whooping cough cases have tripled in San Bernardino County, compared to last year, a Thursday, Jan. 8, county news release states. The county had a reported 47 infections in 2025, and no deaths, Francis Delapaz, a San Bernardino County spokesperson, said in a Friday, Jan. 9, email. In 2024, it saw 15 cases. In Riverside County, Riverside University Health System — Public Health has also seen numbers increase since last year. The county reported 71 cases in 2025, up from 49 cases the previous year. Data on reported deaths in the county were not immediatley available, a Riverside County spokesperson said in a Friday, Jan. 9, email. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets. The illness primarily affects children younger than 10 years old, with approximately half of the 2025 cases in the Inland Empire representing children 10 years of age and below. Symptoms, which can last up to 10 weeks, may include: Runny or stuffy nose Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F) or no fever High-pitched “whoop” sound while breathing in after coughing Vomiting during or after coughing fits Fatigue after coughing fits Difficulty sleeping Struggles to breathe Possible rib fractures from severe coughing Cyanosis, the bluish color of lips, skin or nail beds The rise in cases is in line with what has been seen throughout the state, Barbara Cole, director of disease control for Riverside University Health System – Public Health, said in a Friday, Jan. 9, email. Since COVID-19 subsided, practices that had lowered instances of whooping cough, such as social distancing, are not common and there has been a return to pre-pandemic infection levels, Cole said. The rise could also reflect vaccination gaps, natural cycles of the disease, and the spread of disease through  close-contact settings such as schools and daycare centers. The upward trend could also reflect improved reporting and surveillance practices, she said. “Pertussis is largely preventable, and vaccination remains our most effective tool to protect infants, children, and adults,” Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said in a Friday, Jan. 9, email. Tdap and DTap are combination vaccines that protect against infections caused by diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). “Staying up to date on recommended vaccines, especially Tdap boosters and vaccination during pregnancy, helps protect the infants and children in our community against whooping cough.” San Bernardino County recommends that all stay up to date on Tdap and DTaP vaccines to lower the spread of infection, the release states. Infants under 12 months, specifically newborns, are most at risk, so pregnant women are encouraged to get a Tdap vaccine in their third trimester. Babies and children should receive a dose of DTaP at two, four, six and 15 months as well as at ages 4 and 6. Children need a total of five doses to be protected from severe whooping cough, the San Bernardino County release states. Related Articles Hand, foot and mouth disease spreading in the Inland Empire First flu-related death of season seen in Riverside County Infant botulism in California and 9 other states prompts baby formula recall Day of the Dead: Here are some facts about death in the U.S. 18 rabid bats found so far this year in Riverside County — and a bite can be fatal Adults and children 11 years old and older should receive a dose of Tdap. Residents in San Bernardino County can visit myturn.ca.gov to book a vaccination or visit their health care provider. To report cases or for more information, see the Public Health Communicable Disease webpage or contact San Bernardino County Public Health Department. Its hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The weekday number is 800-722-4794, but after hours, on weekends or holidays, residents can call 800-472-2376. Riverside County residents can get information on upcoming clinics through Riverside University Health System — Public Health by clicking here or can ask their health care provider. For more information in Riverside County, call 951-358-5000, Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ...read more read less