Well-being - Rise in reported instances of whooping cough
In the state of Lower Saxony, as many as 218 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been reported to the Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA) by May this year. This is a significant increase from the first five months of 2023 when only 56 infections were reported up until the 21st calendar week. In the years 2021 and 2022, there were only 14 and 11 cases, respectively, during the same time frame.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be easily spread from person to person. The best form of protection against this condition is vaccination. The NLGA recommends that children receive vaccinations at the ages of two months, four months, and eleven months. Booster vaccinations for preschool and adolescent age groups are also a possibility. In addition, vaccination during pregnancy can offer protection to newborns beyond their first few weeks of life. It is also advised for adults to get a booster shot.
In the years 2017 and 2018, there were 396 and 330 pertussis infections reported, respectively, within the first five months. While this disease typically has a seasonal focus during the fall and winter, it also occasionally occurs in periodic epidemic waves every three to five years, a spokesperson for the State Health Office explained.
In the state of Bavaria, the number of pertussis cases has increased even more drastically. The Bavarian Health Ministry reported 1,168 pertussis infections between the start of the year and May 21, 2024. This is a staggering increase of 791 cases from 2023.
Whooping cough is an infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. Identifiable symptoms of whooping cough include severe, persistent coughing fits that can last for weeks. This condition can be mild in adolescents and adults, leading to it often going unnoticed. This, in turn, increases the risk of infection for unvaccinated infants.
Read also:
In response to the rising number of whooping cough cases in Lower Saxony, the city of Hanover is enhancing its vaccination campaigns to protect children and adults. Despite the increase in pertussis cases, Lower Saxony still has lower reported instances compared to 2017 and 2018. The Coronavirus pandemic, however, has diverted attention and resources away from other diseases, potentially contributing to the resurgence of diseases like whooping cough.
