A South Dakota child has died following a dual infection of pertussis and influenza, says the South Dakota Department of Health.
The death reported Friday marks the state’s first pertussis-related death since 2023, the department said in a news release.
“I, along with everyone at the Department of Health, extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving family during this unimaginable loss,” Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt said in the release.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is making a resurgence in the United States.
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Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, saw a sharp increase of cases in South Dakota in 2024, according to the health department’s Infectious Disease Dashboard, a website that tracks the occurrence of diseases from anthrax to West Nile virus.
While the department has released no data for 2025, there were 361 reported pertussis cases in South Dakota in 2024, according to the dashboard.
The largest number of cases, 139, were reported in Sioux Falls, according to the dashboard. The lowest number, 10, was reported in the western region of the state.
Pertussis cases across the state skyrocketed in October and remained high through the end of the year, according to the dashboard. The disease was most likely to affect children up to age 14.
They’ve also been on the rise across the nation after a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are whooping cough symptoms?
Early symptoms of pertussis often mimic a common cold, according to the news release. They include a runny nose, low-grade fever and possibly a cough.
Two-week symptoms include “rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched whoop” followed by “mucus discharge or vomiting,” the release said.
Pertussis can be prevented with a vaccine, the health department said, and there is an annual vaccine for the flu.
“Protection is highest among those fully vaccinated, but that protection decreases over time,” the release said.
To prevent respiratory diseases, the department recommends avoiding contact with those who may be ill, covering your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing or coughing into your upper elbow, washing your hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, the release said.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Pertussis, influenza claim child’s life, SD health department reports
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