Protection against whooping cough: rising cases endanger babies and risk patients

alarm mood in Germany! The whooping cough cases are constantly increasing - a threatening situation that has already developed into a massive health risk. Over 19,000 diseases were recorded by October 2024 and the numbers continue to grow! In comparison, there were only about 12,200 cases annually between 2013 and 2019. The past few years? Only a poor 3,432 cases throughout 2023! What is behind this worrying increase?

whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly infectious respiratory disease that is mainly triggered by the bacterium bordetella pertussis. The name itself is derived from Latin and means something like "strong cough". This barking, agonizing cough can last for weeks and is the most striking symptom of this insidious disease.

The causes of the climb

dr. Felix Giebel, chief physician of hospital hygiene at Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, has taken a close look at the alarming numbers. He sees several reasons for this dramatic increase: "We experience an uptake after the Corona pandemic. During the Lockdowns, the contact was avoided, which drastically declined. Now people get the infections."

In addition, Giebel notes: "Even with a high vaccination rate, there is an increase in the number of Pertussis every three to five years in Europe. It is likely that this will also play a role in the coming year." In addition, improved diagnostics could lead to more cases to be recorded today than in the past.

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danger for babies and previous ill

The biggest losers are the youngest! It becomes particularly dangerous for infants under six months, which often show no typical symptoms. Instead, you face life -threatening breathing breasts! "There are complications that have to be treated intensive medicine in the hospital," warns the expert. Brain damage due to lack of oxygen can have serious consequences - a shocking reality!

The risk is particularly high for unvaccinated infants as well as premature babies or children with respiratory diseases such as asthma. Common complications are pneumonia and middle ear inflammations. Rarely but even cramping and lasting brain damage are possible!

The good news: whooping cough is treatable! With antibiotics such as Clarithromycin or Azithromycin, the infection can be effectively combated, provided the treatment begins in time. "The infection can be shortened to five days if the therapy is initiated early," explains Giebel.

The vaccination is the key to prevention! It offers solid protection against severe disease courses, even if vaccinated people can continue to transmit the pathogen. With more than 90 percent vaccination rate among small children, you can show good numbers, but the vaccination tiredness in adults is a serious problem. "The vaccination should be refreshed to protect yourself and endangered people," appeals the doctor.

In view of this threatening situation, action is required! The health authorities now have to make all efforts to curb the spread of whooping cough and to protect the endangered groups in particular!

Helios - an active health service provider : Helios is not only a health service provider, but a key player in the health system with over 127,000 employees and 80 clinics in Germany. In 2023, the company generated sales of over 12 billion euros. With a clear focus on high medical quality and transparency, Helios has committed itself to protecting the health of the population.

For questions or information, Ines Balkow , press spokeswoman at Helios, will be happy to provide you: Telephone: +49 1525478435, email: press@helios-gesundheit.de.