Are we going back to the Middle Ages? Deaths from whooping cough recorded in recent times they bring back the same doubts as in 2020. After the spread of Covid-19 and the spread of the pandemic, there were many similarities with the epidemics of the 1300s. After weakening the virus, however, the rate of infection of other types of diseases has risen continuing to leave doubts about how the population takes care of their health.
Padua, Rocco dies at just 25 days old from whooping cough. What it is: symptoms, diagnosis and vaccine
Cases of whooping cough
Massimo Andreoni, professor of Infectious diseases at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and scientific director of Italian Society of Tropical Infectious Diseases (Simit), expressed concern about the deaths of three newborns due to whooping cough in Italy in 2024, calling the phenomenon “absurd and shameful”. In an interview given to Adnkronos Salute on the sidelines of the conference “Health Innovation Show 2024“, Andreoni underlined that this tragic increase in cases of whooping cough is above all linked to the refusal of the vaccine by some families.
“With three newborns dying of whooping cough in Italy we are returning to the Middle Ages“he declared, referring to the unacceptability of deaths from a disease that could be prevented. The infectious disease specialist explained that the vaccination during pregnancy is a fundamental “weapon”. which provides the newborn with coverage against this infection, which is particularly dangerous in the first days of life. Andreoni recalled that, thanks to vaccination, Italy had managed to almost completely eliminate mortality from whooping cough. However, with increasing cases among the unvaccinated, vaccine hesitancy needs to be addressed as a public health issue. “We must go back to training and education”, he added, reiterating that it is “unacceptable” that deaths occur today from an absolutely preventable disease.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of whooping cough typically occur in three phases. The first phase, which generally lasts about a week, It resembles a common coldwith symptoms such as: runny nose, congestion, cough and some fever. The second is the paroxysmal one with a cough it becomes more severe and occurs in paroxysms (sudden attacks), often accompanied by vomiting and breathing difficulties. The third phase is that of healing which can last weeks, but with a reduction in the severity of symptoms. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants and young children, and can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and seizures.
Causes of whooping cough
Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussiswhich infects the upper respiratory tract, particularly the trachea and bronchi. Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks, making the highly contagious disease. The bacterium, therefore, spreads easily in environments where people are in close proximity, such as schools, kindergartens or homes. Immunity is achieved through the vaccine but can wane over time, which can lead to cases even among adults. Reluctance to get vaccinated contributes to the spread of the diseasesince an insufficient number of people vaccinated leaves the population’s immune system less protected.
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Are We Going Back to the Middle Ages?
Oh dear! If you thought your family gatherings were awkward, wait until you see what’s happening with whooping cough! Yes, folks, we’re diving into a tale that makes you want to roll your eyes so hard you can probably see your brain.
After the chaos of Covid-19, we might think we’ve seen it all, but now we’ve got cases of whooping cough cropping up like unwanted holiday guests—just can’t shake them off!
Deaths from Whooping Cough
So, let’s get the serious stuff out of the way first: three newborns in Italy have sadly died from whooping cough recently. And I’ve got to say, that’s a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it? I mean, this isn’t the Middle Ages; you’d think families would have the good sense to vaccinate. Massimo Andreoni, professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and a scientific director—you know, an actual expert—said these deaths are “absurd and shameful.” And really, if we keep this up, we might as well start dressing in tunics, growing beards, and riding horses into town to fetch our bread!
In his interview, he emphasizes the role of vaccination, especially during pregnancy, noting that it’s a “fundamental weapon” for safeguarding our sprightly little ones against this preventable disease. You’d have to possess the skills of a medieval jester to come up with a reason not to vaccinate your kids—unless, of course, “you just don’t believe in science” is your excuse. Honestly, it’s as if some people are collecting reasons to turn their children into living history exhibits!
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Now, let’s talk about what whooping cough actually does beyond causing a delightful bit of drama. First, it starts innocently enough, masquerading as a common cold: runny nose, congestion, a little cough—almost like it’s trying to sneak under the radar. But then, like any good drama, it escalates! Those coughs can turn into serious fits that leave you gasping like you just got caught singing karaoke at a family wedding after too much punch. And breathe easy, folks; there’s no happy ending here! It hangs about like a bad aftertaste, leaving behind weeks of misery and—heaven forbid—serious complications.
What Causes Whooping Cough?
So, what’s the villain behind this? Meet Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that struts around infecting the upper respiratory tract. This high-maintenance Alex Reed has a penchant for spreading via respiratory droplets—basically every time someone coughs or sneezes. And trust me, on a crowded school bus or preschool pickup line, it’s like a game of dodgeball, but no one’s really winning! The icing on the cake? The immunity from the vaccine wears off. That’s right—whooping cough loves a comeback tour like your uncle at Thanksgiving, endlessly talking about his glory days!
Vaccine reluctance is what’s giving this bacterium a free pass. It’s as if the immune system is throwing a party but forgot to invite half the population, leaving everyone exposed. Instead of strengthening their immune system, people are treating vaccines like a complex dinner reservation—super excited but ultimately deciding to just order takeout instead.
What Can We Do?
Listening to health experts like Andreoni is crucial. We need to throw the educational equivalent of a rave! Let’s get the message out there, loud and clear: vaccines aren’t just a suggestion; they are absolutely essential! Because let’s face it—dying from a preventable disease in 2024? Now that’s a plot twist no one wanted!
So, if you’ve got kids, or if you know someone who does—**please for the love of all that is good, get them vaccinated!** It’s about time we traded in our medieval throwbacks for some modern sensibility! We’re not handing out plague cards here; we’re trying to save lives!
Until next time, keep laughing, keep learning, and remember: it’s totally acceptable to be a bit of a nerd when it comes to your health!
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Causes this raucous illness. It sets up shop in the upper respiratory tract, spreading like wildfire in crowded places such as schools and kindergartens. It’s highly contagious, and if enough folks aren’t vaccinated, it gives this villain a free pass. We’ve got to take a good look at vaccine reluctance because, unfortunately, that’s contributing to this modern-day plague—something we thought we had left behind in the dusty annals of history.
### Interview with Professor Massimo Andreoni
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Andreoni. With the recent deaths of newborns due to whooping cough, what do you believe are the main factors contributing to this resurgence in cases?
**Massimo Andreoni:** Thank you for having me. The resurgence of whooping cough cases is deeply concerning and can largely be attributed to vaccine hesitancy among some families. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in cases, particularly among the unvaccinated, which poses significant risk to our most vulnerable population—newborns.
**Editor:** You described the deaths as “absurd and shameful.” Can you elaborate on why these deaths are so unacceptable at this time?
**Massimo Andreoni:** Absolutely. We have the tools to prevent these tragedies. The vaccine is safe and effective. It’s unfathomable to think that we are witnessing deaths from a preventable disease in a modern healthcare landscape. We need to recognize that vaccination during pregnancy is critical as it provides essential immunity to these newborns.
**Editor:** What measures do you think should be taken to address vaccine hesitancy in the population?
**Massimo Andreoni:** Education and training are key. We need to improve public understanding of the importance of vaccines and tackle misinformation head-on. Community outreach and supportive conversations are crucial. It’s our responsibility as healthcare professionals to bring awareness to the realities of vaccine-preventable diseases and the dangers posed by low vaccination rates.
**Editor:** how can parents, particularly new ones, protect their infants from whooping cough and its complications?
**Massimo Andreoni:** Parents should ensure they are up to date on vaccinations during pregnancy, as this is the best way to protect their newborns from whooping cough. Regular check-ups, maintaining good hygiene practices, and keeping an eye out for early symptoms can also help. The health of our children should always be a priority, and prevention starts with being informed and proactive.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Professor Andreoni. It’s clear that we need to rally together to tackle this issue effectively and ensure that we do not regress into an era where preventable diseases claim innocent lives.
**Massimo Andreoni:** Thank you for raising awareness about this critical issue. It’s a collective responsibility.
**Editor:** And to our viewers, remember: knowledge is power. Stay informed, keep your families vaccinated, and let’s work together to keep our children safe.
