Official data show that from 4,139 cases reported in 2023, the figure rose to 43,751 in 2024, and in the first seven months of 2025, more than 18,595 infections and 128 deaths were reported in nine countries of the region.

Also known as coqueluche or whooping cough, this disease can be prevented with three doses of DPT vaccine in children under one year old, and boosters during childhood and adolescence.

Even so, in infected persons -especially in infants- it can cause serious conditions, with risk of complications or even death.

According to experts, this resurgence is related to the decrease in vaccination rates and highlights the need to reinforce active and standardized surveillance.

Since 2024, cases have been reported in Brazil, the United States, Mexico and Peru.

One of the main challenges is that the usual treatment is based on macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin.

However, genetic mutations in the bacteria, particularly in the 23S rRNA gene, are reducing the efficacy of these drugs, making it difficult to treat patients and prevent close contacts.

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