Recife confirms cases of whooping cough; learn how to avoid illness

The first cases of whooping cough of the year were recorded in Recife (PE), in children aged between 4 months and 2 years; see how to prevent

Recife (PE) has recorded the first cases of whooping cough of the year in the country. The patients are two children, aged 4 months and 2 years. The city’s municipal health department did not reveal whether they were immunized against the disease.

Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a transmissible respiratory infection caused by bacteria (Bordetella Pertussis). It is present all over the world and its main characteristic are dry cough attacks.

According to the Ministry of Health, the infection can reach the trachea and bronchi. Babies under six months of age may experience complications from whooping cough. And, without treatment, the disease can lead to death.

Transmission and symptoms

Dr. Julio Henrique Onita, infectious disease specialist at Alemão Oswaldo Cruz Hospital, explains that transmission occurs through close contact and through droplets from infected patients.

There are cases where whooping cough has no symptoms, which directly influences the transmission of the disease, especially within the same family. “That’s why it’s important [estar atento] when the patient presents some symptoms, especially cough”, underlines the infectious disease specialist.

Furthermore, the disease can also cause discomfort and depression. Julio highlights two phases of whooping cough: catarrhal, in which there is the presence of phlegm in the cough; and the paroxysmal phase, in which initial symptoms worsen and the patient (especially children) commonly vomits after a coughing fit.

“The cough is very characteristic. This is because the patient experiences shortness of breath after coughing. Therefore it is a symptom that must be paid close attention to, especially in children”, underlines the infectious disease specialist. The diagnosis, according to the doctor, is clinical.

Prevention

According to Dr. Julio Henrique, having whooping cough is unacceptable. This is because in Brazil the disease has been kept under control for several years thanks to vaccination. Therefore the cases are sporadic. “When there is a case of whooping cough, it was probably also a case of vaccination in the region,” he points out.

Prevention of whooping cough occurs through the pentavalent vaccine, which immunizes against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, haemophilus influenzae type B and hepatitis B. According to the Ministry of Health, the main risk factors for the disease are directly linked to lack of vaccination.

• In children, immunity to the disease is acquired when they take three doses of the vaccine, requiring boosters at 15 months and 4 years of age.
• It may be that the adult, even if he was vaccinated as a child, becomes susceptible to the disease again because the vaccine can lose its effect over time.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.