2024-07-30 12:01:57
Verviers and its surroundings are particularly affected since between May 1st and June 30th, 42 confirmed cases were recorded in the municipalities of Verviers and Dison (representing 86% and 79% of the total number of cases in the province of Liège and in Wallonia for the same period).
Moreover, 74% of the recorded cases involved children under 10 years old, mostly unvaccinated or insufficiently vaccinated, or with an unknown vaccination status. Two adult cases of 40 and 41 years old who were unvaccinated have also been recorded.
Regarding whooping cough, a gradual increase in cases has been observed since July 2023, reaching in May 2024 the highest monthly number of cases in the last 10 years. As of June 30, 1,384 cases (1,256 confirmed and 128 suspected) have been recorded.
The provinces of Hainaut, Brabant Wallon, and Liège recorded the highest numbers of confirmed cases (410, 312, and 294 cases respectively). The majority of the patients are under 18 years old. Eighty-eight people had to be hospitalized among the confirmed cases, including 51 children under 6 months old.
In Belgium, no autochthonous cases of dengue, chikungunya, or Zika have been diagnosed in 2023. However, the tiger mosquito, which can transmit these viruses to humans, is under surveillance. During the 2023 season, it was detected in 25 locations across the country.
Potential Trends in Public Health: A Focus on Vaccination and Disease Monitoring
The recent surge of confirmed cases in Verviers and Dison highlights ongoing public health challenges, particularly regarding vaccination rates among children. Between May 1 and June 30, these communities recorded 42 confirmed cases of pertussis, accounting for a significant percentage of total cases in the Liège province. Alarmingly, a staggering 74% of cases involved children under 10, largely unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated.
As the world emerges from the global pandemic, the importance of vaccinations has become increasingly evident. Public health experts are predicting a renewed focus on vaccination campaigns, especially in areas with low immunization rates. This trend may lead to enhanced community awareness and educational programs geared towards informing parents about the benefits of timely vaccinations for their children.
In parallel, the rise in pertussis cases this year, marked by the highest monthly total recorded in a decade, calls for more robust disease monitoring systems. The data indicates a need for increased surveillance, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, as well as targeted responses in regions experiencing dramatic case spikes. This could involve partnerships among public health institutions, schools, and community organizations to ensure prompt reporting and response to outbreaks.
Interestingly, while 2023 saw no local cases of tropical diseases like dengue, chikungunya, or Zika, the detection of the tiger mosquito—a potential vector for these viruses—at 25 locations across Belgium underlines the necessity of ongoing vigilance. Future public health strategies may include enhanced environmental monitoring and control measures for vector populations, recognizing the interconnectedness of global travel, climate change, and disease transmission.
As we look ahead, collaboration among governments, health organizations, and communities will be crucial. By leveraging data and engaging in proactive health measures, there is potential not only to combat current health concerns but also to mitigate the risks of future outbreaks, ultimately protecting the most vulnerable members of society.