The incidence of pertussis is growing in Ukraine. How to recognize and prevent it - the response of the Ministry of Health
Kyiv • UNN
In the first two months of 2024, the incidence of pertussis in Ukraine increased significantly compared to the same period last year, with 515 cases recorded, mainly due to the large number of unvaccinated children.
In Ukraine, the incidence of pertussis is growing, in two months of this year the number of newly detected cases increased 19 times compared to last year's figures, the reason for the increase in the incidence is a large number of unvaccinated children, the Ministry of Health reports, telling how dangerous the disease is and how to prevent it, UNN writes.
Details
"Since 2023, the incidence of pertussis has been increasing in Ukraine. In the first two months of 2024, 515 cases of the disease were recorded, while only 27 cases were registered in the same period last year," the Ministry of Health reported.
According to the ministry, 95.9% of all cases are children, 4.1% are adults.
"Most of the patients are children of preschool and early school age. The reason for the increase in the incidence is the large number of unvaccinated children," the Ministry of Health emphasized.
Why is pertussis dangerous
Pertussis is highly contagious and can be easily spread from person to person through airborne droplets when coughing or sneezing. The disease is most dangerous for infants, in whom it can cause apnea, a temporary stop in breathing. In addition, the disease can be severe in newborns and infants, with a high risk of complications and death. Older children and adults usually recover from whooping cough, but the disease is exhausting and weakens the body.
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
The disease begins as ARVI. After 5-8 days, a spasmodic cough appears, followed by redness of the face, lacrimation, and a characteristic whistling cough. Coughing attacks occur more often at night than during the day, coughing can be accompanied by fever, runny nose and other signs of ARVI. In infants, coughing may not occur - but they may stop breathing for a short time, which may be indicated by blue face. Recovery begins in 4-8 weeks, the patient begins to cough less often, and coughing attacks become weaker. Sometimes the recovery period can last from 2 to 6 months.
At the first sign of a severe cough in infants and symptoms of apnea, the Ministry of Health urges to consult a doctor immediately.
How to prevent whooping cough?
All children should receive 4 vaccinations - at the age of 2, 4, 6 and 18 months. If for some reason you missed a vaccination, catch up as soon as possible, the Ministry of Health urges.
Also, pertussis vaccination is indicated for pregnant women between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, regardless of whether they were vaccinated as children. This is to protect the child from pertussis in the first months of life before they receive the vaccine.
"Protect your children from serious illness and complications - get all your vaccinations according to the calendar!" - the Ministry of Health notes.
