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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
Public Health France is calling for vigilance as numerous cases have been detected in Europe, and several dozen in France.
No, whooping cough has not disappeared, it may even be making a notable comeback and France is not spared. This is what we can conclude by reading the latest recall from Santé Publique France.
All of Europe concerned since 2023
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection.whose transmission occurs mainly in the family or in communities through contact with a sick person with a cough.recalls the institution.
A contagion which primarily affects infants, too young to have been vaccinated, and adolescents and adults who have lost the protection of the vaccine. The increase in cases is general: Europe is currently experiencing an increase in cases of whooping cough in Croatia, Denmark and the United Kingdom and significant increases in Belgium, Spain and Germany.
In France, a visible increase in cases
In France too, the circulation of whooping cough cases is intensifying: 70 cases in total in around twenty clusters were in fact reported in 8 French regions in the first quarter of 2024. Last year, only two clusters were reported on the Island -of France.
The RENACOQ network (the hospital pertussis surveillance network) points out that whooping cough develops in cycles of resurgence every 3 to 5 years. But the expected rebound in the disease in France in 2021-2022 has been postponed.
“The multiplication in the number of cases compared to 2023 and the sharp increase in grouped cases indicate a resumption of community circulation of the bacteria which could intensify in the coming months,” underlines Public Health France.
Recognizing whooping cough: instructions for use
Parents’ difficulty often comes down to knowing whether it’s whooping cough or not. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, explains the characteristics of this disease to us:
“For whooping cough, it is important to note that the symptoms are characteristic with coughing fits and cock crowing. Between the fits, however, there is no fever and no symptoms.”
The sound reveals affection and should appeal to you:
Vaccination remains the only way to protect the youngest
Our expert also reminds us that the danger mainly concerns infants. “This is why it is important to vaccinate those around you, health or care workers and pregnant women.”
More precisely, the Public Health France site advises vaccination
- In infants from 2 months, with boosters at 6 years, 11-13 years and 25 years. (The whooping cough vaccine is one of the mandatory infant vaccines)
- In pregnant women from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, and if applicable postpartum;
- In people “in close contact” with an infant “during its first 6 months of life”;
- In immunocompromised people;
- In healthcare professionals and people working with infants.
“The preconception visit for a couple of future parents is also an important moment to vaccinate them” concludes Dr. Kierzek.