Recently, the Chinese Agency for Disease Control and Prevention reported a significant increase in whooping cough cases in the country. Over 32,000 infections and 13 deaths were recorded in just the first three months of the year, which is a stark rise from the 1,400 cases reported during the same period in 2023. This rise has raised concerns among health officials about the potential for a resurgence of the disease.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It’s spread through respiratory droplets and poses a serious threat to infants, leading to severe symptoms and death. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 10 days after infection, starting with mild fever, a runny nose, and a cough that progresses to prolonged coughing fits and occasional whistling sounds when inhaling. Pneumonia is also a common complication of whooping cough.
Diagnosing whooping cough can be challenging as initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold. Treatment currently involves antibiotics; however, vaccination is considered the most effective prevention measure. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a series of three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines to reduce the risk of the disease. The first dose should be given at six weeks of age, with subsequent doses given at various intervals up to eighteen weeks of age.
Vaccinating pregnant women has also been shown to be highly effective in preventing whooping cough in newborns. However, vaccination programs have faced challenges during the pandemic due to declining rates of children receiving necessary doses of vaccines. Several countries have reported an increase in pertussis cases since mid-2023 as a result.
Moving forward, maintaining high vaccination rates will be crucial in controlling the spread of whooping cough and protecting vulnerable populations. Health officials urge parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against this preventable disease and encourage them to follow public health guidelines related to COVID-19 precautions such as wearing masks indoors and practicing social distancing.
