Rise in Whooping Cough Cases Puts Nebraska on Alert
This year, Nebraska has experienced a significant increase in whooping cough cases, following an upward trend that began last year. As of 2025, the Centers for Disease Control has reported 316 cases in the state, a substantial rise from the 202 cases recorded throughout the entirety of the previous year.
The surge in cases was particularly noticeable in Eastern Nebraska toward the end of last year, and the elevated numbers have persisted into 2025. Douglas County, in particular, witnessed a dramatic spike last year, with 191 cases reported. This figure more than doubled the previous high of 75 cases recorded in 2018, following a sharp increase between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Although there have been no significant spikes in Douglas County this year, the total number of cases remains higher compared to the same period last year, according to Lindsay Huse, the Director of the Douglas County Health Department. “There’s kind of a low level that’s just kind of brewing out there,” Huse explained, highlighting a continuous transmission within the community.
Huse attributed the ongoing situation to several factors, including the aftermath of last fall’s substantial spike, which “kind of seeded the environment.” She also noted, “We probably have some lower vaccination rates happening, and you know that can certainly contribute as well.”
