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Michigan sees 1,792% increase in whooping cough: What parents should know

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Michigan sees 1,792% increase in whooping cough: What parents should know


Another highly contagious vaccine-preventable illness is on the rise in Michigan as uptake for decades-old shots has declined in recent years.

Pertussis, a respiratory illness also known as whooping cough, sickened 2,081 residents in 2024. It was the third consecutive annual increase, and a 19-fold jump from the 110 cases reported in 2023.

Doctors say people of all ages need the whooping cough vaccine that saw a 1,792% increase in cases. So far in 2025, Michigan health officials have identified 497 cases, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

The bacterial infection is known to cause severe coughing fits in children, lasting weeks to months. It can be severe, and even fatal, especially for babies who may abruptly stop breathing.

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Babies younger than 1 year old are at the greatest risk for getting the infection and having severe complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Physicians at three of the state’s largest health systems anecdotally reported significant increases in pertussis cases. At the University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor, there were 106 cases in FY 2025 — up from fewer than 10 cases each of the previous two years.

“The numbers are up statewide and nationwide,” said Dr. Debra Langlois, a pediatrician for U-M Health. “I would say it’s regional for the time being. It might be pockets now, but it could be next door tomorrow.”

“Measles has been in the news, but this is another public health emergency and the best thing we can do is be vaccinated, especially for young kids.”

Lansing-area baby girl infected with measles

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Michigan’s rise in pertussis has aligned with lower rates of DTaP vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. About 72.5% of children had gotten their recommended doses of DTaP as of the fourth quarter of 2024 — a decline from 79% in 2014.

Similarly, uptake for the vaccine’s booster shot (TDaP), recommended at 11 years old and every 10 years thereafter, increased to 80% in 2018 before declining to 76.4% as of late 2024.

Dr. Shalini Sethi, a senior staff pediatrician and division head for three Henry Ford Health centers in Southeast Michigan, said the recent spike in pertussis is more than what’s to be expected during the typical disease cycle.

“There’s lots of research and factors, which we know,” Sethi said. “The most important is the decline in the vaccination rate.”

Whooping cough can look like a common cold in the first week or two after infection.

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The relentless cough and exhaustion follow in a second stage, which can last anywhere from one to six weeks. A gradual recovery from the coughing fits can last weeks or months.

“It’s typical with the older children that the long-lasting cough seems like it’ll never end,” Langlois said. “Patients have suffered rib fractures from such intense coughing and they can get pneumonia as a secondary infection.”

Michigan emergency room sees the scary side of vaccine hesitancy

Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics, which can lessen the disease if given early enough. Hospitals may also admit patients for supportive care, especially babies in need of constant surveillance and breathing assistance.

Langlois said most cases she sees are among unvaccinated children, or older children who aren’t yet eligible for a booster.

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The first whooping cough vaccine was licensed in the U.S. in 1914. It was later combined with vaccines for diphtheria and tetanus in 1948, and the current DTaP vaccine was licensed in 1991.

Before widespread vaccination in the late 1940s, whooping cough sickened about 200,000 people per year, with about 9,000 children dying as a result of their infection, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Annual cases fell off more than 90% after widespread vaccination.

The CDC recommends DTaP vaccination at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years.

More Michigan students are waiving required vaccines. Check out your school’s rate.

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Dr. Erica Michiels, medical director of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital’s emergency department in Grand Rapids, said she’s seen more whooping cough recently than anytime in her 13-year career.

“Vaccine hesitancy is probably at an all-time high,” Michiels said. “People are refusing standard childhood vaccines. It’s really a disappointing trend because they keep children safe, keep society safe.”

Hesitancy seemed to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Skepticism around a new vaccine, coupled with public anger over vaccine requirements, led to more vocal opposition.

Parents also fell behind on their children’s recommended vaccine schedule, affecting the state’s rates across the board.

“Well checks were not being done over fear of COVID,” Dr. Sethi said. “All these vaccinations are not done and now we’re trying to catch them up, if they’re coming in.”

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Sethi said trust and education are key factors in getting through parents’ hesitancy around vaccines. She digs into what they’ve heard that gives them pause, offers educational material, and shares reasons why she chose to vaccinate her own children.

“You have to talk about the fear, try to talk it out,” she said. “It’s making parents aware what the science is behind it and why we protect them even before the disease hits.”

For more vaccine information, contact your primary care physician or local health department, or visit Michigan’s webpage on immunization information, or ivaccinate.org, a resource founded by Veronica Valentine McNally, who advocates for vaccination after her daughter died of pertussis in 2012.



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Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025

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Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025


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The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 16, 2025, results for each game:

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Winning Daily 3 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

Midday: 8-9-0

Evening: 9-0-2

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

Midday: 8-7-2-6

Evening: 5-6-3-7

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Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

03-04-19-24-39, Lucky Ball: 11

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

QS-KS-AS-5C-5D

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

11-20-31-32-38

11-18-28-29-34

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

09-17-22-23-24-27-30-36-43-44-49-51-55-58-59-60-62-69-70-71-73-79

Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lottery’s Regional Offices.

To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:

Michigan Lottery

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Attn: Claim Center

101 E. Hillsdale

P.O. Box 30023

Lansing, MI 48909

For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a driver’s license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.

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If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:

  • Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325

For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s prize claim page.

When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?

  • Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.
  • Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily
  • Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily
  • Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
  • Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily
  • Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos

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‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos


CLEV ELAND, Ohio — The Michigan coaching search has dominated college football headlines this week, creating both uncertainty and opportunity for the defending national champions.

Despite the chaotic nature of the situation, college football analyst Josh Pate makes a compelling case that Michigan will ultimately emerge with a significant upgrade at head coach.

“I think they’re going to end up so much better for this. They’re not in a great place right now, but I mean once the fog clears, like Michigan will have clearly upgraded at their head coaching position,” Pate claims on the latest episode of his podcast, setting an optimistic tone despite the current turmoil.

One of the most significant developments has been Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s definitive statement removing himself from consideration.

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“I don’t think Kalen DeBoer is going anywhere. Feel pretty good about our sourcing on that,” Pate said. “You guys are free to believe whatever you want, but I do believe that he’ll be at Alabama this Friday and well beyond this Friday, no matter what the outcome of that game is. I hope I’ve been pretty clear there.”

With DeBoer firmly committed to Alabama, the podcast makes an impassioned case for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham as the ideal candidate to revitalize Michigan’s program.

“I think Kenny Dillingham is a wonderful candidate for Michigan. That would be the guy that I would pursue,” Pate said. “I look at that guy and I see what he’s done in terms of quarterback development. I see what he’s done in terms of lighting a fan base on fire. I love the energy. I love the passion. I love how much his guys will go over a cliff for him.”

What makes this endorsement particularly compelling is the podcast’s vivid metaphor about Michigan’s untapped potential and why someone with Dillingham’s energy could be transformational.

“Michigan is like an oil field. I’ve been watching Land Man lately. It’s like an oil field that really hasn’t been drilled properly,” Pate said. “When you do, money is flying all over the place. It’s there. It’s there. I’ve got it on good word. A little birdie has flown in my ear recently and told me, you know, maybe since the Sherrone Moore firing, there’s a little bit of an uptick even in NIL contribution.”

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This assessment suggests Michigan’s NIL and donor resources remain largely untapped, creating an opportunity for an energetic, passionate coach like Dillingham to unlock unprecedented support.

Pate notes that despite Michigan’s recent national championship, no one has “really drilled deep at Michigan yet” when it comes to maximizing resources in college football’s new era.

The podcast also addresses the complexity of the search process, noting it’s moving “way differently than the Penn State search” with Michigan employing “search firm stages” that will lead to a search committee.

This methodical approach suggests Michigan is prioritizing making the right hire rather than the fastest hire.

Other candidates mentioned include Lincoln Riley, Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch, though the podcast clearly positions Dillingham as the transformational choice who could best capitalize on Michigan’s dormant potential.

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Interestingly, the podcast draws a distinction between Dillingham and DeBoer’s public statements about being happy at their current jobs: “I don’t think those were the same thing,” hinting that while DeBoer is genuinely staying put, Dillingham might still be in play despite expressing love for Arizona State.

For Michigan fans enduring a turbulent week, the podcast’s perspective offers a compelling reason for optimism.

Despite the messy nature of the coaching change, Michigan appears poised to emerge with a dynamic leader who could elevate the program to even greater heights.



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Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority

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Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority


Literacy is on the decline in Michigan, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wants to stop it in its tracks.

The governor shared during this year’s Michigan Literacy Summit that one in three students in Michigan tests below average.

Michigan used to rank higher, but nowit is 44th in the nation when it comes to reading at grade level. Whitmer says it’s due to multiple things, from decades of disinvestment in education to the pandemic.

“Literacy is directly correlated to higher incomes, greater productivity more innovation,” Whitmer said at the summit.

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For the rest of her term as governor, Whitmer says literacy will be her top priority.

“A literate population is more civically engaged, more empowered, more equal,” said Whitmer.

In a room filled with educators from across Michigan, the governor didn’t place blame for the problem, but encouragement and next steps to improve literacy, such as proper resources and training.

“They’re taught by skilled, qualified educators who are getting more and more of every year with scholarships, retention and recruitment programs,” said Whitmer.

Educators say support, such as funding, has helped them be better educators to their students. Teachers say helping them pay for expensive training has allowed them to reach their students in a new way.

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“All of these things accelerated my knowledge and just gave me hope for Michigan’s direction,” said educator David Pelc

However, Whitmer recognized it’s not just the knowledge they are teaching, it’s the ability to connect with the young minds, especially in a world that is ever changing.

“They are growing up against rapidly changing technology, rising mental health challenges, increasing political division, they see violence playing out, and its a uncertain economic environment,” said Whitmer.

From the state Capital, the governor emphasized the bills she has passed that help lead to improving literacy, such as free pre-K and school lunches.

 Whitmer says she plans to offer advice to future budgets and leaders to continue to improve literacy in Michigan.

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