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Louisiana’s worst whooping cough outbreak in 35 years unfolded as state health officials delayed warnings to the public and doctors, even after two infants died by late January 2025. Internal emails show more hospitalizations followed while the state surgeon general halted general vaccine promotion in February and criticized prior recommendations. Public outreach trickled out in March and May; by mid-May, 42 people had been hospitalized, most not up to date on shots, and most were babies under 1. Cases climbed through summer to 387 by Sept. 20, with long gaps in communication.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.