More than 32,000 cases had been confirmed by February 2024, a 20-fold increase from a year earlier, according to China's National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention.
What is whooping cough?
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a distinctive “whooping” sound as the affected person gasps for air. The disease can be particularly severe in infants and young children, and can sometimes lead to complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and even death.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
Whooping cough, or whooping cough, usually begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. As the infection progresses, the person develops severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a characteristic “buzzing” sound when gasping for air. These coughing fits can be intense and may cause vomiting or fatigue. Between coughing episodes, individuals may present relatively well. However, infants and toddlers may not make the characteristic whooping sounds and instead experience periods of apnea or stopping breathing.
How does it spread?
This highly contagious pathogen spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Bacteria produce toxins that damage cilia, small hair-like structures that attach to the lining of the airways in the throat and help clear mucus and debris from the airways. As a result, the airways become inflamed and the characteristic symptoms of whooping cough appear, including severe coughing, whooping cough, and difficulty breathing.
How to stay safe?
Preventing whooping cough, or whooping cough, often involves vaccination along with additional measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
vaccination: The most effective preventive measure is vaccination. The DTaP vaccine, which prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, is routinely given in multiple doses to infants and young children starting at 2 months of age. A booster dose is recommended for adolescents and adults, including pregnant women, during each trimester to pass on immunity to the newborn.
Ensuring that your infant's family, caregivers, and close contacts are up to date on their pertussis vaccination can help create a “cocoon” of protection for vulnerable individuals.
Practice good hygiene: Encourage people to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing personal items such as eating utensils or drinking cups.
Cover your mouth and nose: Teach cough etiquette, such as covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of droplets.
Stay home when sick: People with symptoms of respiratory illness, including coughing fits, should stay home and avoid school, work, or other group settings to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Early diagnosis and treatment: If you or a family member develops symptoms of whooping cough, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, as well as prevent further transmission to others.
By following these preventive measures, individuals can help reduce the incidence and impact of pertussis in their communities, especially among vulnerable populations such as infants and young children.
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