(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation is closely monitoring for any potential cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) in the CNMI after the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services reported a confirmed case on Oct. 13, 2025.
As of Oct. 22, 2025, there were no confirmed cases of Pertussis in the CNMI.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person- to-person through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms often resemble the common cold, including a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough that can last for weeks or months. Symptoms may result in rapid, violent coughing fits that can have a “whoop” noise after a coughing fit. Individuals at higher risk for severe Pertussis include babies younger than 1 year of age, those with weakened immune systems, and/or moderate to severe medically treated asthmatic individuals.
Vaccination is the best protection against Pertussis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following vaccines and schedule:
• Diptheria, Tetanus, and Accelular Pertussis (DTaP): 5-dose series for individuals under 7 years old
• Tetanus, Diptheria, and Acceular Pertussis (Tdap): 1 or 2- dose series for individuals 7 years and older (dosing depends on age, previous DTaP vaccinations, and population group)
• Tetanus, Diptheria, and Acceular Pertussis (Tdap): booster for adults offered every 10 years, who completed primary vaccination series and every pregnancy (during 27 to 36 weeks gestation).
CHCC reminds the community to stay up to date with routine vaccinations to help prevent illnesses such as Pertussis (whooping cough), Influenza (flu), Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), and Varicella (chickenpox), as well as other recommended age-appropriate vaccines.
The DTaP/Tdap and other routine vaccines are available at no cost to eligible individuals through the Vaccines for Children Program. The program serves children and adolescents ages 0–18 years who are enrolled in Medicaid, underinsured, or uninsured. Vaccines are available through the CHCC Immunization Clinic, Children’s Clinic, Rota Health Center, and Lucia Chiang Villagomez Arizapa Health Center.
Vaccines are also available through the following CNMI VFC provider locations: Medical Associates of the Pacific, Marianas Medical Center, Kagman Isla Community Health, Southern Isla Community Health, and Tinian Isla Community Health.
For individuals 19+ years or with insurance, contact your provider/clinic for their vaccine availability and eligibility requirements.
Staying up to date with vaccinations not only protects the individual but also helps safeguard our entire community.
For more information on immunization services and vaccines, contact CHCC’s Immunization Program at (670) 236-8745 or visit www.chcc.health/. Stay informed by following CHCC on Facebook and Instagram at @cnmichcc/.
