The concern of EODY scientists is great for the continuous increase of cases of whooping cough across the country by 2024.
From the beginning of the year and until December 1, 2024, according to the data of the EODY, 438 cases of whooping cough were recorded in our country, showing an unprecedented increase of 4,766% compared to the only 9 cases reported the previous year, i.e. 2023.
This number is the highest recorded in the last 20 years, as a total of 509 incidents were reported from 2004 to 2020.
See the relevant diagram of EODY:
Whooping cough: Which age groups does mortality affect?
The data of EODY show that 32.3% of the cases concern infants under one year, while 15.6% concern infants up to two months.
The two deaths of infants under two months of age in 2024 are linked to unvaccinated mothers, which once again highlights the importance of vaccination during pregnancy.
The disease also affects children and adolescents aged 10-17 years, suggesting that immunity wanes over the years after the initial vaccination.
Why are cases increasing internationally?
The resurgence of the whooping cough epidemic is not a Greek phenomenon, as an increase is also recorded in other countries with strong vaccination programs, such as the USA, Germany and Australia.
Globally, pertussis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Each year approximately 50,000,000 cases and 300,000 deaths are reported, mostly in developing countries.
However, even in developed EU member states outbreaks of the disease are observed every 3-4 years.
In the United States, too, outbreaks of whooping cough have been reported over the past decade, with cases often occurring in immunocompromised adults.
The possible causes, according to EODY scientists, include:
The waning immunity of vaccines over time
Skipping vaccination doses during the pandemic
The change in the way of recording and surveillance
Sophisticated diagnostic methods that detect more incidents
Prevention through vaccination is important
The only effective prevention strategy remains vaccination, EODY scientists said at an Organization event last week.
Experts recommend the following measures in Greece:
Full vaccination of children
Repeat vaccination in adolescents and adults
Vaccination of pregnant women to protect newborns
What is whoop cough and how is it spread ?
Whooping cough is an acute microbial infection of the respiratory system, caused by Haemophilus pertussis (Bordetella pertussis) and is prevented by vaccination.
Transmission is airborne by droplets or by direct contact with secretions from the respiratory system of sick individuals. In vaccinated populations, the bacteria are often brought home by an older sibling or sometimes an adult.
The incubation time is usually 7 to 10 days, with a range of 4-21 days (and rarely up to 42 days).
The disease is highly contagious with a secondary infection rate of 80% among infected individuals (those who have not been immunized).
Whooping cough sufferers are most contagious during the catarrhal stage, as well as the first two weeks after the onset of coughing (about 21 days), while some people, especially children, who have a positive culture for several weeks remain contagious for a longer period.
Gradually, the transmissibility decreases and becomes negligible in about 3 weeks despite the persistence of paroxysmal wheezing cough.
by Gianna Soulaki / Source: iatropedia.gr