Public Health France reports a greater resumption of the circulation of whooping cough in recent months. Health authorities specify that the number of cases has fallen significantly since the introduction of the vaccine in the country.
Reinforced vigilance in France. In a communication published this Thursday, April 18, Public Health France reports an increase in the circulation of whooping cough in France since the start of the year.
In recent months, around twenty clusters have been reported in eight regions of the country. In comparison, for the whole of last year, only two were recorded, only in Île-de-France.
“Given this clear increase in the number of cluster cases reported, Public Health France remains vigilant and recalls the importance of vaccination to protect people at risk of serious forms,” writes the establishment.
Schools and daycares
In the first quarter of 2024, clusters were mainly recorded in communities, particularly in schools, daycares and nursery homes. Others have been recorded in family circles. In total, 70 cases were reported to Public Health France.
“Whooping cough evolves in cycles of resurgence every 3 to 5 years,” explains the latter, specifying that the last epidemic peaks took place in 1997, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2012-2013 and 2017-2018.
Public Health France thus signals “a resumption of the circulation of the bacteria in the community which could intensify in the coming months”.
Upsurge in Europe
The health authorities specify, however, that the French situation “is not comparable with that of our European neighbors and across the Atlantic who have reported several hundred cases per week since the last quarter of 2023”.
Indeed, Croatia, Denmark and the United Kingdom are currently experiencing “significant epidemics” while Belgium, Spain and Germany are also recording “significant increases” in whooping cough cases.
Vaccination
This respiratory infection is very contagious and is transmitted “mainly within the family or in communities through contact with a sick person with a cough”. However, serious forms and deaths, which mainly occur in babies under 6 months of age, can be largely avoided thanks to the vaccine.
Vaccination against whooping cough has been compulsory for infants since January 1, 2018. Then, a booster is necessary at 6 years of age, then between 11 and 13 years of age and finally at the age of 25, with the possibility of catch-up up to 39 years completed.
In addition, vaccination against whooping cough is also recommended for pregnant women and, in the absence of vaccination of the mother during pregnancy, postpartum.
Health authorities also recommend vaccination for immunocompromised people, healthcare professionals, people working in close and repeated contact with infants and early childhood professionals or those regularly babysitting.
