The Department of Public Health and Social Services has confirmed a second case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, among unvaccinated children on Guam this year. 

The latest case involves a 3-month-old infant reported on July 29, 2025.

Health officials have launched contact tracing and an epidemiologic investigation to identify the source of exposure. Pertussis is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable respiratory disease that can cause severe coughing fits, vomiting, exhaustion, and in infants, life-threatening breathing complications.

“Preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases like pertussis is essential to protecting public health,” said DPHSS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Leon Guerrero.

Residents are urged to ensure they and their children are up to date on vaccinations. DTaP and Tdap vaccines are available for eligible children through the DPHSS Vaccines for Children Program.