Galveston County is facing a concerning spike in whooping cough (pertussis) cases this year, with health officials urging residents to prioritize vaccinations. This surge follows zero reported cases in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures.

The number of confirmed cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Galveston County has increased significantly this year compared to the zero reported cases in 2023. This is a concerning development. The Galveston County Health District is issuing a warning and urging residents to prioritize vaccinations and education in order to combat this highly contagious bacterial infection.
This increase in whooping cough cases is indicative of a more general trend observed throughout Texas, as both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health agencies have reported comparable increases. The circumstances that have led to the recent epidemics are currently being investigated.
Last month, the potential risks associated with the infection were underscored by the cancellation of a college football game due to a pertussis outbreak, which demonstrated the urgency of the situation. Vaccination is a critical measure to limit the spread of whooping cough and other respiratory disorders as the respiratory virus season approaches, according to health experts.
Community members are encouraged to remain informed and take action to safeguard themselves and those in their vicinity.
.png)
Carnival Dream is set to return to Galveston on April 5 after a 16-day dry dock in Marseille, featuring updated onboard spaces and new guest amenities ahead of its next round of Caribbean sailings.

A 50-year-old man was hospitalized Tuesday morning after driving off the Galveston Seawall and into the Gulf of Mexico. Authorities say he was conscious when rescued, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.