Victorian disease leaves trail of dead babies as parents warned | US | News
A surge in a “Victorian” disease is leaving a trail of unvaccinated dead babies and prompting experts to warn parents that their decision to skip the vaccine is putting lives at great risk.
More than 25,000 cases of whooping cough have been recorded in the United States so far this year. This marks the second year in a row with higher cases than normal, according to federal data. Last year saw a fivefold increase in cases compared to 2023.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious and potentially fatal respiratory disease caused by bacteria. Its toxins damage the cilia (tiny, hair-like structures on the surface of cells) of the respiratory tract. This disease, also called whooping cough, is spread through coughing and sneezing.
Rising cases came hand in hand with falling vaccines. Experts warn that this trend is driven by anti-vaccine misinformation and laws that make it easier for parents to opt out of vaccinations.
Multiple deaths have been recorded in Louisiana, Washington state, and Kentucky; Outbreaks have also been recorded in Texas, Florida, California and Oregon.
All three of the babies who died in Kentucky were unvaccinated and were the first to die from the disease in the state in seven years. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies under one year old; During coughing attacks, some people stop breathing.
The CDC recommends pregnant women get vaccinated during pregnancy to ensure that antibodies are passed to the baby before birth.
State data showed Texas reported 1,928 cases in 2024, but had more than 3,500 cases as of October 2025.
According to CBS News, Texas lawmakers recently passed a bill that makes it easier for parents to request non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements by allowing them to download forms online.
Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Phil Huang said normally the entire front lower floor is occupied during back-to-school season, but he didn’t see that this year.
He believes fear of immigration enforcement may keep some families, especially Hispanics, from getting vaccinated.
