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Washington, D.C., December 9, 2025 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has renewed its call for countries in the Americas to close vaccination gaps amid a resurgence of pertussis, or whooping cough, which has been steadily increasing since 2023, according to the latest epidemiological update released yesterday. After the region recorded its lowest number of cases in 2022 (3,284 cases), cases increased significantly in 2023 (11,202 cases) and again in 2024 (66,184 cases). Vaccination coverage and most affected groups During the COVID-19 pandemic, whooping cough vaccination coverage in the Region fell to its lowest levels in two decades, with 87% for the first dose (DTP1) and 81% for the third dose (DTP3). PAHO recommends that countries achieve and maintain a vaccination coverage of 95% or higher with the three doses of the DTP vaccine in children under one year, as well as booster doses during childhood and adolescence to prevent outbreaks.