SALEM, Ore. — As of Monday, the Oregon Health Authority said that the state had surpassed 1,100 whooping cough cases since the beginning of 2024 — the most in a single year since 1950.
The last highest record was set in 2012, when the state reported 910 cases. There were 1,420 cases reported back in 1950.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is most dangerous for the very young. According to the OHA, eight Oregonians with pertussis have died since 2003. Five were younger than 4 months old. Deaths among adults were more common in recent years, with one death in 2023 and two in 2024…