Since the start of the whooping cough epidemic in June, 313 confirmed cases have been recorded, according to the Health Surveillance Bureau. Among the cases investigated, 11 people required hospitalization, including eight infants aged less than eight months.
The week of November 6 (W45) saw 39 new confirmed cases: 36 in Tahiti, two in Moorea, and one in Tubuai. This latest case marks a first in a resident of the island, although the person stayed in Tahiti during their exposure phase. Among the new S45 cases, four are infants under six months old, four are children 1 to 6 years old, 12 are adolescents 7 to 17 years old, 18 are adults aged 18 to 79 years old, and one concerns a person over 80 years old. No hospitalizations were reported that week.
On the other hand, the following week (S46), an infant less than three months old was hospitalized and died. This is the first case of serious complications and death linked to this epidemic.
Despite these developments, health monitoring has noted an overall decline in incidence over the past two weeks. Adults aged 7 to 79 years account for the majority of cases (71.3%), while 12.1% involve infants under one year old.
Health authorities recall the importance of barrier gestures to limit the transmission of respiratory diseases such as whooping cough and Covid-19. Wearing a mask and frequent hand washing are strongly recommended.
Recommendations
- See a doctor immediately if you have symptoms of whooping cough ;
- Make sure you and your family are up to date with routine vaccinations;
- Respect hygiene rules (wearing a mask if you are sick/coughing, washing your hands, etc.);
- Respect home isolation as soon as the doctor suspects that you or your child has whooping cough.
Health
