In November 1932, as the Great Depression deepened and the nation faced economic despair, two dedicated bacteriologists from a state laboratory in Grand Rapids, Michigan, were diligently working after hours to visit ill children and investigate potential infections by a perilous disease that threatened lives across the country.
Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering made it their mission to visit families enduring harsh conditions, where they collected samples from children afflicted with severe symptoms such as whooping, vomiting, and strangulation-like coughs, all indicators of a dangerous illness ravaging young lives.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, now seems like a distant memory to many parents in developed nations. However, a century ago, it stood as one of the most formidable anxieties for families, striking fear in the hearts of parents with infants and young children.
Its highly contagious nature meant that an infected child could easily spread the disease to half of their classmates and all siblings at home. Tragically, in the 1930s, pertussis claimed the lives of 7,500 Americans annually, primarily affecting the most vulnerable infants and young children.
All of that changed due to the tireless efforts of Kendrick and Eldering, who despite being hired primarily for routine daily testing of medical and environmental samples, became obsessively focused on researching pertussis and developing a vaccine.
Even with minimal funding and support, private donors recognized the urgency of their work and stepped in to finance a groundbreaking clinical trial for the first pertussis vaccine. Remarkably, mothers willingly volunteered their time and their children as participants, demonstrating their hope for a safer future.
Initial skepticism from medical experts did not deter Kendrick, Eldering, and their innovative team. Against the odds, they succeeded in producing the first safe and effective vaccine against whooping cough, fundamentally changing the landscape of childhood health.
Their pioneering work led to a dramatic decrease in childhood deaths due to whooping cough, both in the United States and globally, saving countless lives and altering the fate of families forever.
Almost a century later, however, whooping cough continues to resurface among infants, bringing with it chaos and tragic losses, particularly affecting the smallest and most defenseless family members.
Vaccination of pregnant mothers with the pertussis vaccine has proven to be highly effective in shielding infants under three months old from the disease, highlighting the crucial need for timely childhood vaccinations when young children are most vulnerable to severe illness.
As of October 23, more than 500 cases of whooping cough had been reported in Ireland this year alone, a staggering contrast to the mere 18 cases observed throughout all of 2023, indicating a significant and unsettling rise in infections.
Given that laboratory confirmations of pertussis in the community are rare, this alarming statistic likely only represents a fraction of the actual cases occurring, suggesting a severe underreporting of the outbreak.
According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), of the identified cases, approximately one in five (101) were found in infants aged zero to five months; notably, 67% of these infants were hospitalized due to the severity of their condition.
These disconcerting figures reflect the dangerously low uptake of whooping cough vaccinations during pregnancy, a vital measure for protecting newborns from severe illness and potential death.
Surprisingly, no official data exists to indicate the current uptake level of the whooping cough vaccine among pregnant women in Ireland, leaving a gap in crucial health information.
A 2018 survey by the HPSC revealed that less than half (48.7%) of women reported receiving the pertussis vaccine during pregnancy, a statistic that predates the surge of vaccine hesitancy triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among infants diagnosed with pertussis, an alarming majority under one month (84%) and three out of four under six months (74%) are believed to have been born to unvaccinated mothers, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory infection, spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, presenting symptoms typically within seven to ten days post-infection but sometimes appearing as late as 21 days later.
This illness can initially mimic a common cold, with symptoms such as fever, sneezing, and a runny nose, but may quickly escalate to a persistent cough characterized by the signature whooping sound that gives the disease its name, causing distress among affected children and concerns for their families.
Coughing episodes can lead to alarming scenarios where the patient may briefly turn blue and vomit, with multiple coughing fits occurring in rapid succession, often resulting in exhaustion. These episodes can be provoked by eating, laughing, or even crying and tend to worsen during nighttime hours.
The ramifications of pertussis extend beyond mere discomfort, as the illness poses significant risks of permanent complications, including severe pneumonia and seizures. Infants under six weeks old face the highest vulnerability to lifelong impacts and even death, highlighting the critical nature of preventive measures.
The importance of vaccination during pregnancy was underscored in a recent paper published in the last June, particularly in light of a global uptick in pertussis infections across both the northern and southern hemispheres.
The decline in immune stimulation during the COVID-19 pandemic, attributed to reduced circulation of Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria responsible for whooping cough, is believed to have heightened susceptibility, aligning with the historical cyclical peaks observed every three to five years.
According to the World Health Organization, the incidence rate of pertussis plummeted from 29.8 cases per million in 2019 to a mere 4.6 in 2021 during the pandemic, before rising again to 22.8 in 2023, indicating a resurgence that demands attention.
In Europe and the European Economic Area (EEA), cases surged in 2023, with over 25,000 reported infections, peaking with more than 32,000 cases between January and March 2024, showcasing the widespread resurgence of this once-dominant childhood disease.
From 2011 to 2022, a total of 103 deaths were attributed to pertussis, with an overwhelming two-thirds (67%) occurring in infants, emphasizing the critical need for protective measures, particularly during the early stages of infancy when they are most susceptible.
During the first four months of 2024, there were 19 deaths from pertussis across the EU/EEA — with over half (58%) occurring in infants, a dire warning of the continued threat faced by vulnerable populations.
The Health Security Agency in Britain reported eight tragic infant deaths attributed to whooping cough during the early months of 2024, coinciding with 4,793 new cases of the illness, highlighting the urgency for preventive action.
In Northern Ireland, an alarming rise in cases saw 1,425 reported by May 26, 2024, a stark contrast to only two cases documented between 2021 and 2023, prompting health officials to implore pregnant women and parents of young children to get vaccinated.
This emphasizes the vital importance of maternal vaccination during each pregnancy to safeguard newborns from severe illness and potential fatalities until they complete their primary immunizations.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) recommends that the pertussis vaccine be administered to pregnant women between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, as timing plays a crucial role in the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Ideally, the vaccination should occur at least two weeks before delivery to ensure maximum protection for the infant during their crucial first three months of life, a time of heightened vulnerability to serious illness.
Antenatal immunization rates have witnessed a troubling decline, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, raising significant concerns among public health officials.
The overarching factors contributing to this trend include a lack of awareness among parents regarding the critical risks posed by pertussis to newborns and the protective benefits of maternal vaccination, amplified by rising skepticism towards vaccines following the COVID-19 experience.
The effectiveness of maternal immunization against pertussis in infants under three months old is extraordinary, with estimates indicating around 90% effectiveness in preventing the disease and 97% effectiveness in averting death.
As the community grapples with a surge of pertussis cases, the imperative for mothers to receive the vaccine with each pregnancy becomes more pressing, a necessity to shield vulnerable newborns from a potentially life-threatening but preventable illness.
Whooping Cough: A Tale of Bacteria and Bravery
Ah, the early 1930s! A time when people were just figuring out the wonders of modern plumbing while simultaneously wading through the Great Depression. Imagine two bacteriologists, Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering, shunning a leisurely Sunday in favor of investigating children coughing, vomiting, and, let’s be honest, strangling. It wasn’t a charming “let’s play doctor” moment; it was a serious mission to get to the bottom of pertussis, or as it’s called in polite company, whooping cough.
The Terrifying Cough
And what a terrifying cough it was! Back then, this nasty bugger was more contagious than a Facebook meme gone viral. One child infected with pertussis could easily spread it to half the classroom like it was some sort of festive party favor. 7,500 Americans died from pertussis every year in the 1930s, the majority being infants and young children. Yes, you heard that right; children were far more likely to meet their untimely end thanks to a cough than to a well-aimed toy airplane.
Heroes in White Lab Coats
But lo and behold! Kendrick and Eldering were not your average researchers — they were the butt-kicking, determined pioneers of the first safe and effective whooping cough vaccine. Funded by private donations (because who wouldn’t want to throw money at two women collecting boogers?), these ladies turned what could have been a dreadful hospital drama into an epic saga of medical triumph. Their work not only saved lives but also put a dent in childhood mortality rates from this horrid illness.
A Modern Insult to Injury
Fast forward almost a century, and whooping cough is back on the scene, much like an unwanted sequel to a film that should’ve never gotten past the original. Almost 100 years later, the disease has somehow found its way back into our lives, causing grief among the most vulnerable — infants. As of October 2023, over 500 cases of whooping cough have been reported in Ireland alone, in stark contrast to a mere 18 cases in all of 2023. Talk about a comeback!
It Gets Grimmer!
And here’s the punch line — or maybe it’s a punch to the gut? A staggering one in five infants who caught the disease had unvaccinated mothers. Need I say more? Vaccination during pregnancy is not just a suggestion; it’s essential. Apparently, the message about the importance of maternal immunization isn’t getting through, likely due to vaccine hesitancy post-COVID. I mean, who wouldn’t want to follow a long history of scientific success with a sprinkle of skepticism?
Symptoms Worth Noting
So what exactly happens when you contract whooping cough? Well, it starts innocently enough — a runny nose and cough no worse than your average cold. But wait! Just when you’re about to convince yourself that it’s all fine, sneezing and coughing fits evolve into a full-blown whooping symphony. And if that’s not alarming enough, you might even turn blue, vomit, and subsequently find yourself utterly exhausted — all thanks to this little germ that lurks in the shadows of our society.
A Call to Action
The time is ripe for a reinvigorated push for vaccination against whooping cough. Just think about those stats: 90% effectiveness against the disease and an unbelievable 97% against death for infants under three months — a statistical marvel! It’s like winning the lottery, but instead of cash, you get the joy of not burying your newborn — which I’d wager most parents would happily trade a ticket for.
Now, as a society, let’s not sit around and let this preventable illness run riot among our little ones. Let’s make sure every pregnant woman gets the pertussis vaccine between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. And if that turns out to be the most important conversation at a baby shower — so be it! Just be sure to pass the dip and not the pertussis.
In Conclusion
The efforts of Kendrick and Eldering shone brightly in a dark time, but it seems we’ve often forgotten their lessons. Vaccination is not just a choice — for some, it’s a lifeline. So let’s channel our inner Kendrick and Eldering, roll up our sleeves, and fight back against the resurgence of whooping cough with the courage of two pioneering bacteriologists who thought they could save the world, one child at a time.
So here’s to all the scientists, parents, and public health champions out there — let’s keep the coughs where they belong — in the past!
— but before you know it, that cough transforms into a relentless, spellbinding symphony of hacking that can leave both infants and parents utterly exhausted. If you’ve ever heard the characteristic “whoop” as a child struggles to catch their breath, you know it’s a sound that sends chills down the spine.
The Consequences are Real
The reality of whooping cough goes beyond mere annoyance; the consequences can be dire. Infants, particularly those under two months old, are at the highest risk of severe complications. They may end up hospitalized with pneumonia or experience seizures, and in extreme cases, pertussis can even lead to death. The stakes are alarmingly high for such a preventable illness.
The Call to Action
This resurgence of whooping cough is a clarion call for renewed dedication to vaccination efforts, particularly for pregnant women. Health authorities unequivocally recommend that expectant mothers receive the pertussis vaccine between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This critical window allows the mother to develop antibodies that can be transferred to the baby, providing much-needed protection in their vulnerable early months. With the disheartening statistics regarding infant hospitalizations and fatalities, the importance of timely immunization cannot be overstated.
A Collective Effort
A compounded effect emerges from community awareness and proactive measures. Parents, healthcare providers, and public health campaigns must join forces to educate and encourage vaccination not only among pregnant women but throughout the community. Combating misinformation and vaccine hesitancy will be paramount as resurgence patterns continue to emerge and threaten public health.
A Historical Reminder
As we reflect on the history of whooping cough and the groundbreaking work of pioneers like Kendrick and Eldering, it becomes evident that the advancements made in vaccination efforts have been crucial in mitigating the severity of this disease. However, it is a fight that requires ongoing vigilance, dedication, and active participation from everyone involved in the health and well-being of future generations.
let this narrative serve not just as a historical account but also as a rallying point for current efforts. The battle against whooping cough is far from over, but with renewed commitment to vaccination, particularly during pregnancy, we can protect our youngest and most vulnerable members of society from the clutches of this preventable illness. After all, it only takes a single cough to remind us that we must remain steadfast in our efforts to uphold public health and safety.
