Guam has confirmed its first laboratory case of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, for the year 2026. The announcement was made by the Department of Public Health and Social Services in a media release on January 8. This case marks a significant reminder of the ongoing public health challenges, as 2025 saw at least seven confirmed cases of the disease.
The latest report has prompted the Department of Public Health to initiate an epidemiological investigation and contact tracing to identify the source of the exposure. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for up to ten weeks, often culminating in a distinctive high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation.
Complications from whooping cough can be severe, particularly for infants. These may include pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and in some cases, brain damage. Alarmingly, some infants may not exhibit cough symptoms but may experience apnea, which involves life-threatening pauses in breathing.
The Department of Public Health continues to monitor respiratory illness trends across the island, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. The latest data can be accessed on the official Guam Communicable Disease dashboard, which provides surveillance figures and historical data.
Vaccination Recommendations
Whooping cough is preventable through vaccination, and health officials are urging the public to ensure their immunization status is current. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines specific vaccine recommendations:
– For children under 7 years old: The Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is recommended at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, as well as at ages 4-6 years.
– For children aged 7-10 years who are not fully vaccinated: A single dose of Tdap is advised as part of a catch-up series, with potential additional doses of Td or Tdap as needed.
– For adolescents aged 11-18 years who have not received Tdap: A single dose is recommended, preferably at ages 11-12 years.
– Adults aged 19 years and older who have not received Tdap should also receive a single dose.
– Pregnant women are advised to receive one dose during each pregnancy, ideally between 27-36 weeks of gestation. If Tdap is not administered during pregnancy, it should be given immediately after delivery.
Vaccines are available to eligible children through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program at designated health centers. Individuals wishing to receive the vaccine can contact the Northern Region Community Health Center at (671) 635-7412/7456/7547 or the Southern Region Community Health Center at (671) 828-7623. For additional information regarding clinic hours and locations, individuals may also reach out to the Bureau of Family Health and Nursing Services located at the Northern Region Community Health Center at (671) 634-7408.
Through these efforts, the Department of Public Health aims to safeguard the community against the resurgence of whooping cough and other preventable diseases.
