Deadly Whooping Cough Outbreak Spreads Worldwide: Everything You Need To Know

Whooping cough, scientifically known as pertussis, is reemerging in various parts of the world, resulting in reported deaths and outbreaks in several countries such as China, the Philippines, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the US, and UK. The infection is particularly challenging to detect early and can be fatal, especially among children and babies. In China, for instance, there were thirteen reported deaths and 32,380 cases in the first two months of 2024, while the Philippines reported 54 deaths and infection figures 34 times higher than the previous year in the first three months of 2024. The bacterium Bordetella pertussis causes the highly-contagious disease, targeting the upper respiratory system and releasing toxins that lead to airway swelling.

Early symptoms resemble those of a common cold, making it difficult to diagnose until more severe symptoms emerge. These severe symptoms include rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive high-pitched “whoop” sound upon inhalation at the end of the fit. The coughing fits can persist for up to 10 weeks, and children are more likely to experience the most severe symptoms, while babies may even stop breathing. Once diagnosed, doctors generally treat the infection with antibiotics, preferably before the onset of coughing.

However, if a patient has been coughing for more than three weeks, antibiotics are usually not required as the bacteria has likely left the body, and the ongoing coughing is a result of airway damage. In China, free vaccines are commonly administered in a combined shot that also protects against diphtheria and tetanus, while the US and UK offer different vaccines for different age groups. The availability of vaccines in the Philippines has raised concerns about potential shortages in supply. The impact of whooping cough is particularly severe among children and infants, with milder symptoms often seen in teenagers and adults.

However, even in these age groups, debilitating coughing fits can disrupt sleep and daily activities. Early detection and vaccination are crucial in combating the spread of this reemerging disease.