Pediatric Hospitals Overwhelmed as Meyer in Florence Reports Record Admissions

Whooping cough, or pertussis, has made a dramatic and worrying comeback in Italy. According to a study published yesterday by the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), cases of the disease have increased tenfold compared to last year, sparking fears of a national health emergency. Pediatric hospitals, particularly the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence, are facing a surge in admissions, with wards stretched to capacity.

A Sudden and Alarming Rise
The report reveals that in 2024, Italy registered just under 1,200 cases of pertussis nationwide. In 2025, however, numbers have skyrocketed to more than 12,000 confirmed cases, with an additional 20,000 suspected infections under investigation. Health experts describe the jump as “unprecedented in the past three decades.”

Meyer Children’s Hospital, one of the country’s most respected pediatric centers, has admitted over 400 children for severe complications related to pertussis since January. Doctors report that the majority of cases involve infants under one year old, who are at the greatest risk of developing life-threatening complications.

“This is not just a seasonal spike,” said Dr. Giulia Bianchi, head of infectious diseases at Meyer. “We are witnessing a large-scale resurgence of a disease we thought was largely under control.”

Causes: Vaccination Gaps and Waning Immunity
Health authorities point to two major factors fueling the surge: declining vaccination rates and waning immunity in older children and adults. Italy’s national vaccination coverage for pertussis has dropped from 95% in 2019 to 87% in 2024, according to the Ministry of Health. Experts attribute this decline partly to pandemic-era disruptions in healthcare access and partly to growing vaccine hesitancy.

“The effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine diminishes over time, which is why booster doses are crucial,” explained epidemiologist Marco Rinaldi. “When fewer children receive their primary doses and older populations skip boosters, the pathogen finds fertile ground to spread.”

The Toll on Families
At Meyer Hospital, families describe harrowing nights filled with the characteristic “whoop” of children struggling to breathe. Many infants require oxygen support and prolonged hospitalization. For parents, the experience is emotionally devastating.

“We never imagined pertussis could be this dangerous,” said Alessia, mother of a 7-month-old currently in intensive care. “I thought it was a disease from the past. Instead, it’s become our nightmare.”

Government Response and Public Debate
The Italian government has convened an emergency task force to coordinate response strategies, including reinstating nationwide vaccination campaigns, increasing booster availability, and launching public information efforts to counter misinformation.

Health Minister Laura Conti emphasized the urgency of collective action. “We cannot afford to lose decades of progress against preventable diseases,” she said. “The resurgence of pertussis is a reminder that vaccination is not optional — it is a duty to protect the most vulnerable.”

The debate has reignited tensions between public health authorities and anti-vaccine movements, which remain active in several regions of Italy. Some experts warn that unless communication strategies improve, mistrust could continue to undermine immunization campaigns.

Looking Ahead
With schools reopening in September, health officials fear a further acceleration of cases among children and adolescents. The Ministry of Education is working with health authorities to implement precautionary measures, including vaccination checks and health education programs.

Internationally, Italy’s outbreak is drawing attention from the World Health Organization, which has urged other European nations to monitor for similar trends. Several countries, including France and Spain, have already reported localized increases in pertussis cases.

For now, hospitals like Meyer remain on the front lines, providing urgent care and raising the alarm. As one doctor put it: “We are treating a disease our textbooks told us would never return at this scale. That is the reality of 2025.”