A nurse and mother shares her harrowing experience of her son contracting whooping cough, a potentially deadly illness, and the devastating impact it had on his life. She urges parents to get their children vaccinated against this preventable disease.
Whooping cough (pertussis) cases have been increasing in countries like the U.K., Australia, and China, while the U.S. has not experienced a similar surge. This infection is caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis* and is highly contagious. It is spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 5-10 days after exposure and include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough, followed by violent coughing fits. Babies and young children are at a higher risk of serious complications, such as hospitalization, pneumonia, and encephalopathy. Vaccination is recommended for children and adults to prevent pertussis and reduce the severity of symptoms if infected.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warning letters to parents regarding an increase in whooping cough cases in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. Symptoms include prolonged coughing, retching, a ‘whoop’ sound on breathing in, and rib pain. Parents are advised to seek medical attention if their child experiences these symptoms. Vaccination is emphasized as the most effective protection against whooping cough, and children should receive vaccinations at specific intervals. Those affected are asked to self-isolate until antibiotic treatment is complete or three weeks after coughing bouts start.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning about the increase in measles and pertussis cases across the European Union. Measles cases have risen significantly since 2023, with over 5,700 cases reported between March 2023 and February 2024, resulting in five deaths. Pertussis cases have also increased tenfold compared to the previous two years. These diseases, while vaccine-preventable, continue to circulate and pose a threat to the unvaccinated or vulnerable populations. To curb transmission, the ECDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination, highlighting its protective effects not only for individuals but also for those unable to receive vaccines due to age or compromised immune systems.
