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In the first two months of 2020, we observe an increase in whooping cough incidence, compared to the same period in the previous year. A disease that was practically forgotten is making itself felt again. The good news is that fewer measles cases have been recorded.
Twice as many cases of whooping cough at the beginning of the year
According to the epidemiological reports of the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, 2020 cases of whooping cough were registered in the first two months of 418. A year earlier, in the same period, these cases were almost two times smaller – 234. In the whole of 2019, 1 cases were diagnosed, and in 626 – 2018.
Whooping cough is an infectious disease caused by bacteria – whooping cough bacilli or parachute. The infection most often occurs through droplets, and 80-90% is infected. non-immunized people who had contact with a sick person.
See also: Whooping cough superbugs? Scientists warn
The incubation period of the disease ranges from 6 to even 20 days, but on average it is 9-10 days. Initially, whooping cough infection resembles a normal upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms of whooping cough include dry cough, runny nose, low-grade fever, and pharyngitis. The symptom typical of whooping cough appears after about two weeks and includes prolonged bouts of troublesome cough that may end in vomiting or apnea. The cough may last for weeks.
Whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies and newborns. The most common complications for this age group include pneumonia, apnea, seizures, and encephalopathy.
Although whooping cough is associated with childhood disease, it can also appear in adults and cause a long-term cough.
See also: Vaccinations for adults. What should we get vaccinated for?
Vaccination against whooping cough
In Poland, vaccination against whooping cough has been in force since the 60s. The vaccine is administered in combination form as a DTP vaccine against pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus. According to the vaccination calendar, the first dose of DTP vaccination is given to children after they reach the age of two months. The child receives the next dose at 3-4, 5-6 and 16-18 months of age, and a booster dose in the sixth year of life.
The introduction of compulsory vaccination against whooping cough caused a 100-fold decrease in the incidence of this disease.
See also: Infectious diseases of childhood
Measles less serious than last year
As for measles, the epidemiological report of the NIPH-NIH is optimistic. In January and February 2020, 13 cases of measles were diagnosed. A year earlier, 442 people fell ill at the same time.
Measles, like whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease. It is transmitted by air-droplets. The probability of infecting a vulnerable person who is in contact with a sick person is 98%. Measles has characteristic symptoms – the patient develops a maculopapular rash, fever, strong cough, conjunctivitis, photophobia and rhinitis.
The most common complications after measles include otitis media and gastrointestinal infection. More serious complications include meningitis and subacute sclerosing encephalitis that develops many years after measles.
In Poland, vaccination against measles is obligatory and comes in the form of a combined vaccine MMR – vaccination against rubella, measles and mumps.
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