In total, 3,123 cases of whooping cough were registered until October 31 this year. On the other hand, 606 new cases of whooping cough were registered during October.
According to SPKC information, a pronounced increase in the number of pertussis began last December, when the number of registered patients exceeded the number of patients in December 2022 by 4.3 times.
Currently, on average, the highest morbidity is observed in teenagers, children under one year of age and young adults.
As the spread of the pathogen and the intensity of its circulation in the community increases, the risk of infection also increases for babies who have not yet been vaccinated or who have not completed the course of primary vaccination against whooping cough and are therefore particularly susceptible to this very serious infection, thus it is very important to start vaccination in time and follow the vaccinations scheme, reminds SPKC.
The highest incidence in 50 years was observed in 2019, when 720 cases of pertussis were registered, or 37.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and the trend of increasing incidence is also currently observed.
Also, in recent months, several member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and neighboring countries have reported an increase in the number of pertussis cases compared to the pre-Covid-19 pandemic period.
According to data available from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the most affected age groups are children and younger teenagers, and infants and young children who are too young to receive the necessary vaccination course are also affected.
Babies are at the highest risk of severe illness and death from whooping cough, and in the EU/EEA countries almost all deaths have been in this age group – babies under three months of age.
SPKC especially encourages pregnant women to be vaccinated against whooping cough during pregnancy, as it gives a significant protective effect to the child as well until he reaches the age of vaccination.
According to the vaccination calendar, babies are supposed to receive the first vaccine against pertussis at the age of two months, while pregnant women have access to state-paid vaccination against pertussis.
According to the current vaccination schedule for children, the vaccine against whooping cough should be received at the ages of two, four, six, 12 to 15 months, seven and 14 years, by vaccination with the combined vaccine against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis and other infections.
Whooping cough is a contagious, acute respiratory infection caused by the rod-shaped bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
The disease is characterized by a severe, paroxysmal cough that can last for two months or even more.
SPKC reminds parents to take an active interest in and regularly follow the vaccination data in their and their child’s vaccination passport and the instructions of the vaccination calendar and to apply themselves or apply for the child’s vaccination at the family doctor at the specified times.
More information about vaccination is available on the SPKC website.
Vaccination in Latvia against whooping cough started in 1958. The total number of cases of illness in the five years before the start of vaccination was 27,367, while between 2019 and 2023 - 1,228. The reduction in the number of cases since the start of vaccination is 95.5%.
Before the introduction of vaccination, whooping cough was a very widespread disease, which mainly affected children under the age of five, mostly under the age of one.
What are the common symptoms of whooping cough, and how can they be distinguished from other respiratory illnesses?
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and welcome to our interview segment. Today, we have Dr. Anna Müller, a leading epidemiologist specializing in infectious diseases. We’re diving into a pressing topic: the surge in whooping cough cases this year. Dr. Müller, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Anna Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital discussion that we need to have, especially as we observe trends in pertussis cases.
Editor: Let’s start with the numbers. As of October 31, there have been over 3,100 cases reported this year alone, with a significant jump in registration this October. What do you attribute this sharp increase to?
Dr. Müller: There are several factors at play. We saw a notable spike beginning last December, where registered cases exceeded those of December 2022 by over four times. This pattern often correlates with lapses in vaccination coverage and broader public health measures that were relaxed post-pandemic.
Editor: Speaking of vaccination, the data indicates that the highest morbidity is currently seen in teenagers, young adults, and notably, children under one year of age. What’s the significance of this?
Dr. Müller: Infants, especially those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, are particularly vulnerable to severe infections. The recommended vaccination schedule begins at two months, and as the circulating pathogens rise, infants who haven’t received their vaccinations are at an increased risk of contraction. This demographic has the most severe outcomes, so the urgency around timely vaccinations cannot be overstated.
Editor: You mentioned the vaccination schedule. Can you elaborate on the role of vaccination in preventing whooping cough, especially in light of recent recommendations?
Dr. Müller: Absolutely. Vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting not just individuals, but whole communities. For instance, vaccinating pregnant women significantly helps shield their newborns, as the antibodies transferred during pregnancy can provide some initial defense until babies are old enough to begin their vaccinations. The SPKC emphasizes this as a key preventative measure.
Editor: It’s alarming to note that the highest incidence in 50 years was recorded in 2019. Given the renewed uptick in cases across the EU/EEA, how should public health responses adapt?
Dr. Müller: Our response strategies should focus on increasing awareness and accessibility to vaccinations. Enhanced education campaigns targeting expecting mothers, for example, could dramatically improve vaccination uptake. Additionally, healthcare providers need to be vigilant in identifying outbreaks and educating families on the signs and symptoms of pertussis, which is sometimes mistaken for a common cold.
Editor: With the current trends suggesting a resurgence of pertussis, how can communities better prepare to mitigate this risk?
Dr. Müller: Communities can facilitate vaccination drives, making it easier for families to access vaccines. Schools and local health authorities need to collaborate in spreading awareness and encouraging timely vaccinations. It’s also important for parents to keep track of their children’s vaccination schedules and to seek guidance from healthcare providers when necessary.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what key message would you like to leave our audience with regarding whooping cough and vaccination?
Dr. Müller: I would stress the importance of vaccination not just as an individual choice but as a community responsibility. By ensuring that both our children and ourselves are vaccinated, we can protect the most vulnerable among us – particularly newborns who rely on herd immunity until they can be vaccinated themselves.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights on this crucial public health issue. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. Let’s all work together to ensure a healthier future for our communities.