Whooping cough cases are rising sharply in France, particularly in the Grand Est region. Since the beginning of 2024, the number of reported cases has increased significantly, reaching levels that require heightened awareness from the public and healthcare professionals. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) recorded approximately 50 reports of whooping cough cases between January 1 and June 7, 2024, compared to zero cases in the same period of 2023.
Given this concerning situation, the ARS wants to inform health and early childhood professionals, and raise awareness among the general public regarding individuals at risk of complications (infants, people with chronic respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems, and pregnant women).
The Situation in France and the Grand Est
Whooping cough outbreaks occur in cycles, reappearing every 3 to 5 years. In recent years, France has experienced six epidemic peaks: 1997, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2012-2013, and 2017-2018.
In its June 2024 epidemiological bulletin, Santé Publique France reported a resurgence of the disease across the country, intensifying since the beginning of 2024, and impacting neighboring European nations.
Public Health France has observed a significant increase in emergency room visits and consultations with SOS Médecins for whooping cough infections in the Grand Est region since April.
Symptoms and Transmission of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria and characterized by a cold and cough that predominantly occurs at night and persists for more than 7 days. This cough can last several weeks.
Transmission mainly occurs within families or communities through contact with an infected person who is coughing. Severe forms primarily affect infants under six months old and can be fatal. On average, an infected individual can transmit the disease to 15 others.
Vaccination: The Best Protection Against Whooping Cough
Vaccination once morest whooping cough relies on three complementary strategies:
Vaccination is also recommended for:
- People with immunodeficiencies or chronic respiratory diseases
- Health and early childhood professionals
- Medical and paramedical students
- Individuals working closely with infants under 6 months
Booster shots are required at 6 years old, between 11 and 13 years old, at 25, 45, and 65 years old, and then every 10 years following 65.
What to do if you experience symptoms
A cough persisting for more than 7 days warrants a doctor’s visit for diagnostic confirmation.
If a whooping cough case is confirmed, the following is recommended for the infected person:
- Undergo antibiotic treatment to reduce contagiousness.
- Avoid contact with infants, especially those under 6 months old.
- Practice barrier gestures: hand washing, coughing into the elbow, wearing a mask, etc.
- Isolate themselves and avoid public places.
An update on vaccinating exposed individuals will be provided.
Reporting Cases to the Regional Health Agency
While whooping cough is not among the 38 mandatory reportable diseases, clusters of cases, especially in communities frequented by vulnerable individuals such as maternity hospitals, daycare centers, and healthcare facilities, should be reported to the ARS.
Any whooping cough case should be promptly reported to the ARS under specific conditions:
- In cases of nosocomial infections.
- In grouped cases (from 2 cases) whether within a family or in communities.
Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent whooping cough and its complications.
Collective vigilance, combined with adequate vaccination coverage, will help limit the spread of whooping cough and protect the most vulnerable, especially babies in their first months of life, who are most susceptible to the most severe forms of the disease.
F. Méline with press release
Whooping Cough Surge in France: A Call for Vigilance and Vaccination
The circulation of whooping cough has been increasing sharply for several months in France, particularly in the Grand Est region. This rise in cases has prompted heightened vigilance among health professionals and the public, particularly for those at risk of complications. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) in the Grand Est region reported approximately fifty cases of whooping cough between January 1 and June 7, 2024, a significant increase compared to the same period in 2023, when there were no reported cases.
The ARS is urging health and early childhood professionals, along with the general public, to be informed regarding whooping cough and to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones, especially infants, individuals with chronic respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems, and pregnant women.
Understanding the Current Situation
Whooping cough follows a cyclical pattern, experiencing outbreaks every 3 to 5 years. In France, data has revealed six epidemic peaks in recent years: 1997, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2012-2013, and 2017-2018.
Santé Publique France, the national public health agency, reported a resurgence of whooping cough across the country in its June 2024 epidemiological bulletin. This recent increase in cases is not unique to France and is being observed in neighboring European countries as well.
Public Health France has noted a substantial increase in emergency room visits and consultations with SOS Médecins (a national medical service) for whooping cough infections in the Grand Est region since April. This localized increase underscores the importance of localized vigilance and preventative measures.
Whooping Cough: Symptoms & Transmission
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. The characteristic symptom is a prolonged and intense cough that often occurs primarily at night and persists for more than 7 days. This cough can last for several weeks.
Transmission primarily occurs within families or communities through direct contact with an infected individual who is coughing. Infants under six months of age are most susceptible to severe complications, which can even be fatal. On average, an infected person can transmit the disease to 15 others.
Vaccination: The Key to Prevention
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect once morest whooping cough and its serious consequences. The vaccination strategy in France includes three key components:
Infant Vaccination
- **Mandatory since January 1, 2018:** The primary vaccination schedule involves two injections given two months apart, at the age of 2 months (8 weeks) and 4 months, followed by a booster dose at 11 months. It’s crucial to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule without delay.
Vaccination of Pregnant Women
- **Recommended from the second trimester:** Vaccination of pregnant women, preferably between 20 and 36 weeks of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), is crucial to protect newborns until they can be vaccinated.
Cocooning Strategy
- **Implemented in 2004:** The cocooning strategy involves vaccinating the close contacts of infants to protect them from whooping cough.
Vaccination is also highly recommended for:
- Individuals with immunodeficiency or chronic respiratory illnesses
- Health and early childhood professionals
- Students in medical and paramedical fields
- Individuals working closely with infants under 6 months
Booster doses are recommended at age 6, between ages 11 and 13, at ages 25, 45, and 65, and then every 10 years following age 65.
What to Do if You Experience Symptoms
If you experience a cough that persists for more than 7 days, it’s essential to seek medical attention for a diagnosis. If whooping cough is confirmed, the following recommendations are crucial:
- **Antibiotic treatment:** Antibiotics help reduce contagiousness.
- **Avoid contact with infants:** This is especially vital for infants under 6 months old.
- **Practice barrier gestures:** These include frequent handwashing, covering coughs into the elbow, wearing a mask, and maintaining physical distance.
- **Self-isolation:** Limit contact with others and avoid public places.
Updates on vaccination recommendations for exposed individuals will be provided as necessary.
Reporting Cases to the Regional Health Agency
While whooping cough is currently not among the 38 diseases mandatory for reporting, clusters of cases, particularly in areas frequented by vulnerable individuals such as maternity hospitals, daycare centers, and healthcare facilities, must be reported to the ARS.
Prompt reporting to the ARS is recommended under specific circumstances:
- **Nosocomial infections:** Cases acquired in healthcare settings.
- **Grouped cases:** Two or more cases, whether within a family or in a community.
Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing whooping cough and its complications. Collective vigilance, combined with high vaccination coverage, is crucial to limit the spread of this disease and protect vulnerable individuals, especially infants during their first months of life, when the disease is most severe.
F.Méline with press release
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