Objective  To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Lu'an, Anhui Province, from 2005 to 2024, and provide evidence for the improvement of prevention strategies and evaluation of the effects of immunization program adjustments.

Methods The data collected from China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and Anhui Provincial Immunization Program Information Management System were analyed with descriptive epidemiological methods to understand the spatiotemporal and population distributions of pertussis cases, and the vaccination history of the cases.

Results A total of 2 068 pertussis cases were reported in Lu’an during 2005−2024, with an average annual incidence rate of 2.19/100 000. A large number of pertussis cases occurred in 2024 (1 716 cases, 82.98% of the total), with an incidence rate of 39.51/100 000. The incidence peak occurred during April–July instead of during February–July in the past. Jin'an, Yu'an and Yeji were the areas with high incdences. Children aged 5–9 years gradually replaced infants as the mostly affected group, with the case accounting for 56.29% of the total in 2024. In the cases, 84.92% had history of DTP vaccination, in whom 71.37% completed the four doses. The median interval between the last vaccination and disease onset was 4 years interquartile range (IQR): 3–5 years, and 79.58% of the cases occurred 2–6 years later after vaccination. In the unvaccinated cases, 67.69% were infants under 3 months of age.

Conclusion The incidence of pertussis exhibited an upward trend in Lu'an after 2022, with a high incidence in 2024. School-aged children have become as the mostly affected population. To curb the transmission of pertussis, it is suggested to strengthen the surveillance, improve diagnostic techniques, conduct public health interventions and develop multi-dimensional prevention and control strategy.