Oregon has reported more cases of whooping cough this year than at any time in state history, and health officials say falling vaccination rates — especially among pregnant people — are adding to the danger for infants.

As of Tuesday, the Oregon Health Authority has logged 1,475 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. That surpasses the previous annual record of 1,420 cases set in 1950.

Case counts began rising sharply in spring 2024, and other states have reported similar increases , health officials said.

The rise in Oregon and elsewhere is being fueled in part by declining vaccination rates, especially among pregnant people in rural areas, they said.

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through coughs and sneezes. While people of all

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