Whooping cough is on the rise in the Centre-Val de Loire region. This bacterial infection is highly contagious, with each infected person spreading it to an average of 15 others. Contamination occurs through the air when in close contact with infected individuals.
What are the symptoms?
Whooping cough is characterized by persistent, violent coughing fits that can lead to vomiting. It reappears every 3 to 5 years and this is the first time since the Covid pandemic that it has resurged so strongly in Europe, France, and the Berry region.
What is the incidence rate?
Getting exact numbers for whooping cough incidence is challenging because it is not a mandatory reportable disease. The Centre-Val de Loire Regional Health Agency (ARS) issued this alert due to the intensifying bacterial circulation since January. “The epidemic is well established“, explains Aurélie Thouet, deputy director of public and environmental health. “Since the beginning of the year, 21 hospitalizations have been identified due to whooping cough. In Cher and Indre, there have been up to eleven emergency room visits and only two hospitalizations recorded to date, including one for a child under one year old.“
What to do?
Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for children under two months old as they are too young to be vaccinated, making them highly vulnerable. “To protect newborns“, Aurélie Thouet and the ARS recommend, “Pregnant women are advised to get vaccinated between the fifth and eighth month. This allows antibodies to be passed on to the baby, providing protection from birth and before their first vaccination. For children, there are booster shots at 6 and 11 years of age that must be administered. Then, you can get a booster from the age of 25, and generally speaking, if you are in close contact with infants or fragile individuals, it is recommended to check your vaccination status and, if necessary, assess the need for vaccination.“. The ARS emphasizes that the vaccine is well-known and has proven its effectiveness for decades.
A community approach
Unlike Covid, “we don’t need to diagnose all cases. The challenge is more of a community approach, meaning, as soon as we have a first confirmed case in an institution, a community, a group – that’s enough for us to confirm the diagnosis on other suspected cases based on their presented clinical symptoms. So our goal is to detect the first case in a group“. After that, “recommendations are passed on to the medical community in the affected area, also in conjunction with the National Education system, to parents, teachers, and professionals who intervene to provide them with recommendations and ensure that individuals at risk of developing the disease receive proper care as early as possible..” Lastly, the ARS also encourages checking children’s vaccination status before sending them to summer camp.
To listen
Broadcast on 04/29/2024
Whooping cough: the big comeback
Whooping Cough Alert in Centre-Val de Loire: A Growing Concern
The Centre-Val de Loire region is facing a concerning resurgence of whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis*. This alert comes amidst a broader European trend, with cases rising across the continent.
The Contagious Nature of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. A single infected individual can transmit the disease to an average of 15 other people.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Knowing the symptoms of whooping cough is crucial for early detection and treatment. The disease is characterized by:
- Incessant, violent coughing fits: These fits can be so severe that they lead to vomiting.
- A high-pitched “whoop” sound: This distinctive sound is often heard following a coughing fit, as the person struggles to regain their breath.
- Runny nose, fever, and fatigue: These are common early symptoms, which can mimic other respiratory illnesses.
The Impact of Whooping Cough: A Growing Threat
While whooping cough can affect individuals of all ages, it poses the most significant threat to infants and young children. Babies under two months old, who are too young to be fully vaccinated, are particularly vulnerable to serious complications, including pneumonia, seizures, and even death.
Why is Whooping Cough on the Rise?
The resurgence of whooping cough is linked to several factors, including:
- Declining vaccination rates: A decrease in vaccination coverage can lead to an increase in susceptible individuals, creating an environment for the disease to spread.
- Waning immunity: Whooping cough vaccine protection wanes over time, requiring booster doses to maintain immunity.
- Misdiagnosis: Early symptoms of whooping cough can be mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Taking Action: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones
To protect yourself and others from whooping cough, the Centre-Val de Loire Regional Health Agency (ARS) recommends the following steps:
Vaccination is Key
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough. The pertussis vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection once morest the disease.
- Pregnant women: Vaccination during pregnancy is crucial to pass on antibodies to the newborn baby, providing protection from birth. The ARS recommends vaccination between the fifth and eighth month of pregnancy.
- Children: The pertussis vaccine is routinely administered as part of the childhood immunization schedule. Booster doses are given at age 6 and 11.
- Adults: Adults should also have a booster vaccination, especially those who are in close contact with infants or individuals with weakened immune systems. The ARS recommends a booster dose every 10 years, or more frequently if exposed to individuals with suspected whooping cough.
Practice Good Hygiene
Simple hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of whooping cough:
- Wash your hands frequently: Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially following coughing or sneezing.
- Cover your mouth and nose: Use a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid close contact: When you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the illness.
Early Detection and Treatment
If you experience symptoms of whooping cough, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize the severity of the illness and prevent complications.
A Community-Based Approach: “The First Case Makes the Difference”
The ARS emphasizes the importance of a community-based approach to combatting the spread of whooping cough. “The challenge is a bit of a community approach, that is to say, as soon as we have a first confirmed case in a group, we can confirm the diagnosis on other suspected cases based on the clinical symptoms,” explains Aurélie Thouet, deputy director of public and environmental health at the ARS.
This early detection strategy allows for prompt action, such as notifying healthcare providers, schools, and communities to implement control measures and ensure proper care for potentially infected individuals.
Protecting Vulnerable Individuals
The ARS strongly recommends checking the vaccination status of all children before attending summer camps or other group activities. Infants and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to whooping cough.
Staying Informed: A Continuous Effort
The ARS encourages the public to stay informed regarding the latest updates on whooping cough in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Stay tuned to local news sources, healthcare websites, and public health announcements for critical updates and guidelines.
