Health officials across eastern Iowa are urging caution as cases of whooping cough continue to rise.
In Scott County, health officials report 43 confirmed and suspected cases of pertussis since December 1st. More than 50 students across Scott County schools have been identified with the highly contagious respiratory illness since the start of the 2025–2026 school year — nearly matching the total number of cases reported during the entire previous school year.
The Scott County Health Department has sent a letter home to parents through local school districts, reminding families that anyone who is coughing should stay home. Officials also recommend that everyone in the household receive preventive medication for pertussis, even if they are vaccinated or not showing symptoms.
Pertussis spreads easily through coughing and sneezing and can cause severe coughing fits that last weeks or even months. Health officials say the illness can be especially dangerous for infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
School responses across the region have varied. Rock Island–Milan and Moline–Coal Valley school districts report no unusually high numbers of cases. However, in Davis County, Iowa, school was canceled after a case of pertussis was confirmed at an elementary school in Bloomfield. District officials say they are working closely with public health authorities to limit further spread.
Health departments continue to stress the importance of vaccination, noting that protection from childhood pertussis vaccines decreases over time, making booster shots important for older children and adults.
At this time, no cases of whooping cough have been reported in Henry County. Local public health officials remind residents that immunization clinics are available at their office in Mount Pleasant for those needing vaccinations or booster shots.