Huge increase in cases whooping cough countries recorded in Europe in 2023 and the first three months of 2024, with ten times the number of cases compared to the previous two years.
A total of almost 60,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in EU and EEA countries from January 2023 to April 2024, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The same interval has been recorded 19 deaths from the disease – 11 children and 8 elderly people – added the same source.
What is whooping cough?
THE whooping cough is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways and is endemic in Europe. It is preventable through vaccination, and can be very dangerous for babies and the elderly.
Major outbreaks of whooping cough are expected every 3 to 5 years even in countries with high vaccination coverage, the ECDC noted, although a slight decline in vaccination rates during the covid-19 pandemic may have contributed to the increase in cases seen this time. .
The spread of whooping cough was also low during the pandemic due to travel restrictions, which makes the increase seem even greater.
However, the number of cases detected in recent months is historically high. In the first three months of 2024, as many cases have been recorded as were recorded annually on average from 2012 to 2019.
“It is important to remember that lives are at stake, especially the little ones. Pertussis vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective,” said Andrea Amon, director of the ECDC.
Most European countries have included the pertussis vaccine in the national vaccination program for children, while some also vaccinate pregnant women.
The ECDC He stressed that national authorities in some countries should consider giving booster vaccinations to older children or even adults, as immunity from the vaccine can wane over time.
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