Whooping cough outbreaks have been reported in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe, with deaths reported in China, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.
The highly contagious condition, scientifically known as pertussis, can be fatal, particularly in infants and children. Here’s what we know about the new outbreak:.
What is whooping cough?
The bacteria Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough by targeting the upper respiratory system and releasing toxins that cause the airways to swell, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It was once a frequent childhood infection and a leading cause of infant mortality, but a vaccination reversed that in the 1950s.
Also known as the “100-day cough,” the sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or color. However, it is more common in children under the age of five or those who are too young to go through the immunization program.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that pertussis kills hundreds of thousands of children worldwide each year.
Its symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, including a stuffy nose, low-grade fever, and a moderate cough often reported, making diagnosis difficult until more serious symptoms appear.
According to the CDC, after a week or two, symptoms can evolve to “rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits,” which are accompanied by a high-pitched “whoop” sound upon inhalation at the end of the fit.
According to the Netherlands’ Public Health Institute, more than half of babies with whooping cough are hospitalized and may die from pertussis.
Vaccinated people, on the other hand, will experience fewer symptoms and may cough for a shorter period.
13 deaths were reported in China in the first two months of 2024
According to Bloomberg, 13 deaths were reported in China in the first two months of 2024, with 32,380 cases registered.
According to the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, the number of cases has increased by more than 20 times over the previous year.
In the Philippines, 54 people died in the first three months of this year, with infection rates 34 times greater than the previous year.
According to The Conversation, 2,799 cases were reported in Australia, with the highest 1,000 cases in Queensland and New South Wales each.
