The number of pertussis (pertussis) infections continues to rise in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating more than 17,600 cases as of October 5.
This is an increase of more than 340% compared to the 3,962 cases reported in October last year.
Before the pandemic, the number of infections typically exceeded 10,000 per year, and jumped to 18,600 in 2019.
Post-pandemic, whooping cough diagnoses have plummeted, with just 2,100 cases reported in 2021.
Are additional vaccines needed because of the rise in whooping cough cases?
The 10 states with the highest number of cumulative infections (year-to-date) include Pennsylvania (2,209), New York (1,228), Illinois (1,153), California (1,123), and Wisconsin (903). ), Washington state (844 people), and Ohio (814 people). ), Texas (676), Oregon (546), Arizona (491).
Pertussis (whooping cough) infections continue to rise in the United States, with the CDC estimating more than 17,600 cases as of October 5. (St. Petersburg)
What is causing the rise?
One theory for the surge is that the number of infections dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic because mask-wearing, social distancing and other infection protocols helped prevent whooping cough.
“Our immune systems are ramping up even more right now because they’re being exposed to viruses and bacteria they’ve never seen before, and they’re responding more slowly,” said Fox News Senior Medical Analyst. says Dr. Mark Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at New York University Langone Medical Center. He previously told FOX News Digital.
Are additional vaccines needed because of the rise in whooping cough cases?
Whooping cough outbreaks typically occur when there are populations with low vaccination rates, Katie Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and CEO and co-founder of private supplement company Vitalize, previously told Fox News Digital.
The DTaP vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis infections in children. (St. Petersburg)
“Whooping cough is highly contagious, and the disease can spread more easily in areas where vaccination is insufficient and herd immunity is not strong,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Furthermore, immunity from vaccines or previous infections can wane over time, which could contribute to outbreaks.”
What is pertussis?
Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection, gets its common name from the severe cough that some people develop.
According to the Mayo Clinic, early symptoms are similar to a cold, including a cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, fever, and bloodshot, watery eyes.
Vaccines prevent serious illness in children, but infants who are too young to be vaccinated are most at risk. (Image | National Institutes of Health)
Symptoms worsen over time and often result in severe, uncontrollable coughing attacks that end with a “whispering” sound after the patient inhales due to mucus buildup in the airways, the same official noted. I am doing it.
“This is an underappreciated problem and a good reason why I routinely administer the Tdap vaccine to my adult patients,” Siegel told Fox News Digital on Friday.
“This disease is especially problematic in young children whose airways are less developed.”
Tdap is a combination of three vaccines that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis infections in teens and adults.
The DTaP vaccine is the same three-dose vaccine given to children.
“Whooping cough is highly contagious, and the disease can spread more easily in areas where herd immunity is not strong due to insufficient vaccination,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
“The vaccine is effective and remains effective for three to five years,” Siegel said. “Everyone should get the latest vaccine.”
Vaccines prevent serious illness in children, but infants who are too young to be vaccinated are most at risk.
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“This disease is particularly problematic for young children whose airways are not fully developed,” Professor Siegel warned.
Pregnant women are encouraged to receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, as it helps protect their newborn until their own vaccination is available.
When to see a doctor
Experts advise that it is important to see a doctor if you suspect whooping cough, as it can be more severe in young children and people with weakened immune systems.
In addition to a cough, early symptoms are similar to a cold, including stuffy nose, runny nose, fever, and bloodshot, watery eyes. (St. Petersburg)
“Unfortunately, the diagnosis is often missed because a dry cough can be mistaken for a virus,” Dr. Siegel said.
Adults can be treated with doxycycline, a type of antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing and spreading.
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Azithromycin is a common treatment for children, Siegel said.
“This condition becomes dangerous if it leads to severe coughing attacks that cause the infant to have difficulty breathing, vomit, or disrupt normal breathing patterns,” Dubinsky said.
“The diagnosis is often missed because a dry cough can be mistaken for a virus.”
In addition to administering antibiotics, it’s important to manage symptoms, especially in severe cases, he said.
“This may include hospitalization of infants and people with severe symptoms for monitoring and treatment of complications.”
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Approximately 160,000 children under the age of 5 die from pertussis each year worldwide, with 24 million cases occurring annually, according to CDC data.
