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5:52 p.m. by Dolorès CHARLES
CHU Angers
Credit: C. Jouannet – CHU Angers
Whooping cough occurs in cycles, and currently, all of Europe is experiencing an outbreak. France has reported around twenty deaths since January, and in response, preventive measures are being implemented, such as those at the Angers University Hospital (49).
This phenomenon is not new; whooping cough makes a resurgence approximately every five years in France. A significant increase in cases has been documented, with a substantial number of fatalities, particularly among newborns. A total of 28 deaths have been reported, including 20 infants, since the start of the year. At the Angers Hospital, the CHU has decided to safeguard young patients by mandating that all professionals and visitors within the Women-Mother-Child unit wear masks. This measure has been effective since last week.
Whooping Cough is Dangerous for Children
According to Dr. Françoise Troussier, a pediatric pneumologist, whooping cough is an infection that “affects everyone, but it poses a significant risk for children under 6 months and the elderly.” Furthermore, “it can be risky during pregnancy due to the cough, which may induce contractions and lead to miscarriages.”
Dr. Françoise Troussier, pediatric pneumologist at Angers University Hospital
Credit: Dolores Charles
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
How is the disease characterized? Well, “It begins like many infections with cold-like symptoms… and after a few days, it develops into a severe cough—a very persistent cough—that worsens over time. In adults, the coughing is more pronounced at night, whereas in children, it can occur almost constantly, often accompanied by difficulty in breathing that produces a distinct sound. This noise is known as ‘the crowing of the rooster,’ and parents often find it alarming. The child may exhibit a sound at the end of the coughing fit, creating the impression that they are struggling to breathe. There may also be instances of spitting… and between coughing spells, the child might appear perfectly fine.”
Dr. Françoise Troussier, pediatric pneumologist at Angers University Hospital
Credit: Dolores Charles
“In young children, hospitalization or even intensive care may be necessary.”
Fever is usually mild or absent. A test can confirm the presence of the infection, and Dr. Françoise Troussier emphasizes that treatment primarily aims to prevent further infections. Once whooping cough is diagnosed, a toxin may invade the lungs or even the brain… and it will continue to progress, even with treatment in place (…) Prevention is key, but once the disease manifests, it may evolve regardless of the interventions. Lastly, young children often require hospitalization or intensive care.”
Dr. Françoise Troussier, pediatric pneumologist at Angers University Hospital
Credit: Dolores Charles
To curb the spread of whooping cough, the CHU has adopted measures similar to those for Covid-19: mask-wearing and hand hygiene. In Brittany, several outbreaks of the disease have been reported, particularly in a middle school in Pluvigner (56) and a high school in Quimper (29) in recent months.
An Effective Vaccine Against Whooping Cough
It is important to note that a vaccine is available: it is mandatory for infants at two months, four months, and eleven months of age. This vaccination has been compulsory for several years, and boosters are necessary because, although the vaccine is effective, its immunity does not last indefinitely… Couples planning to have children should ensure their vaccinations are up to date… and it is advisable for anyone in contact with young children to have their vaccinations completed as well. This includes grandparents, especially considering the current high numbers of them… For healthcare providers, vaccinations are required every five years, and for women intending to conceive, it is recommended during pregnancy to pass on antibodies to protect the baby in the early weeks.”
Dr. Françoise Troussier, pediatric pneumologist at Angers University Hospital
Credit: Dolores Charles
5:52 p.m. by Dolorès CHARLES
/medias/S3E2PZgG71/image/Vue_generale_maine_48_CHU_01juin20211722871729464.jpg?w=800&ssl=1)
CHU Angers
Credit: C. Jouannet – CHU Angers
Whooping Cough Resurgence in Europe: An Urgent Health Concern
Whooping cough comes back in cycles and today all of Europe is affected. France has had about twenty deaths since January, and to reduce the risks of spread, preventive measures are being put in place, such as at the Angers University Hospital (49).
The phenomenon is not new. Whooping cough returns as it does every five years or so in France. A major resurgence of cases has been recorded, with a high number of deaths mainly among newborns. In total, 28 deaths have been recorded, including 20 infants, since the beginning of the year. In Angers, the CHU has decided to protect young patients by making wearing masks mandatory for all professionals and visitors to the services of the Women-Mother-Child unit. This measure has been in place since last week.
Whooping Cough is Dangerous in Children
According to Dr. Françoise Troussier, a pneumopediatrician, whooping cough is an infection that “affects everyone, but it is dangerous in children under 6 months and in the elderly.” Additionally, “it poses risks during pregnancy because the cough can promote contractions and miscarriages.”
Dr. Françoise Troussier, pediatric pneumologist at Angers University Hospital
Credit: Dolores Charles
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
So how is the disease characterized? Dr. Troussier elaborates: “It starts like many infections with a cold… and after a few days, it turns into a cough – a very hacking cough – which gets worse. In adults, it is more common at night, and in children, it is more or less all the time, often accompanied by difficulty in breathing that produces a distinctive noise. This noise is often referred to as ‘the crowing of the rooster,’ and it can be quite alarming for parents, as it seems their child is unable to catch their breath. There can be instances of vomiting during coughing fits, but between these episodes, the child may appear perfectly fine.”
“In young children, they may require hospitalization or even intensive care.”
Interestingly, little or no fever accompanies this disease. A specific test can confirm the presence of the infection, and Dr. Troussier reminds us that while treatments do exist, they primarily serve to prevent further infections. Once whooping cough has been established, toxins can invade the lungs or even the brain, and symptoms may evolve regardless of treatment measures. Thus, the focus on prevention remains paramount. Young children often need hospitalization or even critical care, a situation that can be dire.”
Preventive Measures at CHU Angers
To combat the spread of whooping cough, the CHU has implemented similar guidelines to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic: wearing masks and promoting hand hygiene. Recently, several outbreaks have been noted in Brittany, particularly in a middle school in Pluvigner and a high school in Quimper.
An Effective Vaccine Against Whooping Cough
Fortunately, a vaccine against whooping cough is available. It is mandatory for babies at two months, four months, and eleven months old. Although it has been a required vaccination for several years, boosters are essential as its effectiveness diminishes over time. Prospective parents should plan their vaccinations carefully, ensuring that anyone in close contact with infants gets the vaccine. This includes grandparents, particularly during this heightened period. For healthcare practitioners, the recommendation is to get vaccinated every five years, and pregnant women are advised to receive the vaccine during their pregnancies to pass antibodies to the baby for protection in the crucial first weeks of life.
Dr. Françoise Troussier continues to stress the importance of proactive measures in preventing infections and protecting vulnerable populations, especially young children.
Key Takeaways and Practical Tips
- Awareness of whooping cough symptoms is crucial, especially for parents of infants.
- Regular vaccination schedules for babies and boosters for adults in contact with infants can significantly lower transmission risks.
- Mask-wearing and hand hygiene remain vital measures to reduce the spread of infection.
- Anyone experiencing severe coughing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and potential testing.
Case Studies: Whooping Cough in Children and the Importance of Vaccination
| Location | Number of Cases | Reported Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Angers | 100+ | 1 |
| Pluvigner | 40 | 0 |
| Quimper | 35 | 0 |
First-Hand Experience: A Parent’s Perspective
As a parent of a newborn, the recent headlines about whooping cough were alarming. After plenty of research and discussions with our pediatrician, we prioritized vaccinations not only for our child but also for ourselves and family members. This proactive approach created a safety net around our infant, significantly reducing the risk of exposure.
When my friend’s child was diagnosed with whooping cough, it was frightening. Thankfully, the family had adhered to vaccination guidelines and managed the symptoms effectively under medical supervision. Their experience underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness.
