The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported a sharp rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases in 2024, with the number of cases so far this year nearly tripling compared to the same period in 2023.

As the Texas weather cools, you may be hearing more coughs due to an increase in whooping cough disease, according to Texas Health and Human Services. Pertussis, often referred to as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection accompanied by uncontrollable coughing spells.

State health officials are monitoring increasing cases of whooping cough and pneumonia. Goldberg's birthday episode also included the return of the Wind Machine of Chaos and her face on a giant wheel of cheese.