More than 25,000 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) have been recorded in the U.S. so far this year, according to updated CDC data.

This is the second consecutive year with higher-than-usual cases; around 33,000 cases were reported at this same time last year.

The big picture: Current case counts are well above pre-pandemic levels, compared to about 18,600 cases in 2019. • The last time cases reached similar levels was in 2014, with more than 32,900 cases recorded. • Doctor visits for pertussis peaked in the winter of last year but remain elevated compared to prior years, according to Epic Research.

Why it matters: Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which damage the upper airway cilia and cause swelling. • The illnes

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