Whooping Cough Outbreak: Why Now? A Warning to Modern Society with Lowered Immunity Due to the "Side Effects" of COVID Measures

Whooping Cough Outbreak: Why Now? A Warning to Modern Society with Lowered Immunity Due to the "Side Effects" of COVID Measures

2025年07月09日 13:25

📌 Table of Contents

  1. What is Whooping Cough?

  2. Why is it Spreading Now?

  3. COVID-19 Measures and the "Immunity Gap"

  4. Not Just for Children: Adult Infection Risks

  5. Comparison of Current Situations in Japan and Abroad

  6. Delays and Challenges in Vaccination

  7. Warnings from the Medical Field

  8. Responses in Daycares, Schools, and Workplaces

  9. Preventive Measures at Home

  10. Policies Needed to Prevent the Spread of Infection

  11. Expert Interview: Future Outlook and Points of Caution

  12. Summary and Message to Readers



1. What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough (pertussis) is an acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, named for the severe cough that can last up to 100 days. It is particularly deadly for infants and can lead to respiratory arrest or encephalopathy in severe cases.



2. Why is it Spreading Now?

▪ Point 1: Immunity Decline Due to COVID-19 Measures

Due to prolonged infection control measures, there has been an extreme reduction in "natural exposure to pathogens," not just for whooping cough, resulting in fewer opportunities to "update immune memory." In a sense, the immune system is in a near-reset state.


▪ Point 2: Gaps in Vaccination

There has been a tendency to avoid hospital visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the regular vaccination schedule for many children.


▪ Point 3: Asymptomatic Infections in Adults

Adults may experience mild symptoms, often mistaking prolonged cough for a "cold," and unknowingly become sources of infection in homes and workplaces.



3. COVID-19 Measures and the "Immunity Gap"

According to infectious disease specialists, the rigorous hygiene measures from 2020 to 2023 suppressed outbreaks of all infections, including whooping cough, influenza, RSV, and adenovirus. However, this also had the side effect of "losing opportunities for immunity acquisition."



4. Not Just for Children: Adult Infection Risks

Recent data in Japan shows that adults in their 20s to 50s are often the ones spreading the infection to children. Many cases of whooping cough present with "only a cough" and no fever, leading to infected individuals unknowingly continuing their daily activities.



5. Comparison of Current Situations in Japan and Abroad

CountryOutbreak StatusCharacteristic Measures
JapanIncreasing Trend (Mainly in Children)Increase in Unvaccinated Population
South KoreaMajor Outbreak Declared in June 2025Numerous Re-infection Cases Among High School Students
United StatesThousands Infected AnnuallyBooster Shots Recommended for Adults
United KingdomPromotion of School-wide VaccinationSchool Closures Considered



6. Delays and Challenges in Vaccination

In Japan, the DPT vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus combination) is administered in infancy, but immunity wanes after a few years. In fact, many cases lack booster shots after elementary school, creating an "immunity gap."



7. Warnings from the Medical Field

Voices from Pediatricians:
"Children with persistent coughs keep coming to the emergency room. Even when it's not COVID-19 or flu, whooping cough is often not suspected."

Testimony from Nurses:
"Even if adults have mild symptoms, they often bring the virus into the home, leading to successive infections within the family."



8. Responses in Daycares, Schools, and Workplaces

  • Review of Attendance and School Attendance Standards

  • Promotion of Testing for Coughs Lasting More Than Two Weeks

  • Strengthening Information Provision to Teachers and Parents

  • Flexibility in Paid Leave Systems at Workplaces



9. Preventive Measures at Home

  • Do Not Easily Dismiss a Family Member's Prolonged Cough as a "Cold"

  • Ensure Thorough Handwashing and Mask-Wearing in Households with Infants

  • Check Vaccination Histories for the Entire Family and Consider Booster Shots if Necessary

  • Ensure Mask-Wearing and Hand Sanitization During Visits to Elderly Care Facilities



10. Policies Needed to Prevent the Spread of Infection

  • Establishment of a Whooping Cough Vaccination System for Adults

  • Development of Early Testing Systems in Medical Institutions

  • Promotion of Infectious Disease Education in Collaboration with Educational Institutions

  • Awareness Activities and Review of Paid Leave Systems at Workplaces



11. Expert Interview

Professor Hiroshi Shibata, Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Tokyo:

"Now that society has become accustomed to hygiene, it's important not to become overly sensitive to infectious diseases but to strengthen vaccine and medical access. Diseases like whooping cough, which are often overlooked, require social vigilance."



12. Summary and Message to Readers

Do you think "whooping cough is a disease of the past"? In fact, it is resurging precisely because of modern society. Both adults and children should check their vaccination history and be cautious of prolonged coughs. Infectious disease prevention is shifting from just masks and sanitization to protection through "knowledge and action."



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