International

Protect Infants: Europe Urges Whooping Cough Vaccination

European countries have reported a tenfold increase in whooping cough cases in 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, compared to the previous two years, according to Reuters.

This surge comes amid concerns that a slight decrease in immunisation rates during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the rise in cases.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) announced on Wednesday that nearly 60,000 whooping cough cases were reported in EU/EEA countries during this period. The cases included 11 deaths among infants and 8 deaths among older adults.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and respiratory tract that can be particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly. The ECDC says larger whooping cough outbreaks are expected every 3-5 years, even in countries with high vaccination rates. However, a slight drop in immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in the current increase.

Lower whooping cough circulation during the pandemic and related travel restrictions also contribute to the seemingly larger increase. Despite this, the number of cases remains historically high. The first three months of 2024 have already seen as many cases as an average year between 2012 and 2019.

The ECDC noted that a significant portion of the population missed out on the natural immunity boost against whooping cough due to lack of exposure during the pandemic. Infants under six months are especially vulnerable to infection.

"We must remember the lives at stake, especially our youngest children. Whooping cough vaccines are safe and effective," said ECDC director Andrea Ammon. Most European countries routinely vaccinate children against whooping cough, and many also vaccinate pregnant women to protect their newborns. The ECDC recommends that some countries consider booster shots for older children and adults, as immunity can decline over time.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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