2023-11-21 20:14:25
Whooping Cough Warning for Parents of Young Children in Thailand
The Disease Prevention and Control Office 11 in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is warning parents that young children are at risk of contracting whooping cough, also known as pertussis, and emphasizing the importance of the vaccine to prevent it. The office urges parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine according to the specified criteria, especially if they exhibit symptoms such as a low-grade fever, mucus, abnormal cough, and coughing 5-10 times in a row, followed by a whooping sound when breathing.
According to Dr. Kraisorn Tothapthiang, the Director of the Disease Prevention and Control Office 11, Thailand has reported 70 cases of whooping cough and 1 death from January 1 to November 8, 2023. The most affected age group is 0-4 years old, followed by 10-14 years old and 15-24 years old. Pattani Province has the highest rate of illness, with 44 cases. Despite the absence of cases in Health Zone 11 for 3 years, DTP vaccination coverage remains below the standard, potentially leading to an outbreak of whooping cough.
Whooping cough is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which can lead to severe symptoms and even death, especially in children who have not been vaccinated or have not completed the vaccine schedule. The disease is easily transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and contact with the secretions of sick individuals, making children susceptible to infections from adults in their household.
Dr. Kraisorn emphasized the importance of the pertussis vaccine for every child, as the disease can be life-threatening if left untreated, particularly in young children. Children under 6 years old should receive the vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 1 and a half years, and receive a booster shot at 4 years of age. Pregnant women should also receive the vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, while adults living with young children should consider getting vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease.
To address any doubts or concerns about whooping cough, the Department of Disease Control hotline can be contacted at 1422. It is essential for parents to take the necessary precautions and seek medical attention if any symptoms of whooping cough are present in their children.
#WhoopingCough #DepartmentofDiseaseControl #SK11
By Thanyathorn Yaowayot
Disease and Health Risk Communication Group
Office of Disease Prevention and Control 11, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province]
#Home #Department #Disease #Control