This year, whooping cough cases have reached alarming levels, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers with over 25,000 reported cases, according to the CDC. The increase is particularly significant in Texas, where Houston and Austin-Travis County have witnessed a 58% rise in cases. As vaccination rates decline and natural immunity wanes, health officials warn of potential outbreaks across various states, including alarming spikes in Georgia and Nebraska. Medical experts stress the importance of vaccinations and taking precautions, urging families to protect themselves ahead of the holiday season as the illness continues to spread.