the essential
Since the beginning of 2024 and even more so in recent weeks, Occitanie has experienced an alarming resurgence of whooping cough, forcing health authorities to strengthen preventive measures, particularly vaccination.
Since the start of 2024, the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS) has observed a worrying increase in the number of whooping cough cases. More than a hundred reports have been recorded, half of them in recent weeks. This increase confirms active circulation of the disease in the region and is part of a European and national trend of resurgence. Not being a notifiable disease, it is likely that the number of cases is greater than the reports made to the ARS. The latter does not have figures for Hautes-Pyrénées but the department seems to follow the regional trend.
A respiratory infection caused by bacteria
Whooping cough, a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis*, is distinguished by its high contagiousness and severe symptoms. Transmitted by the cough of infected people, it mainly affects families and communities, particularly in the presence of young children and vulnerable people. The characteristic coughing fits can persist for weeks, causing fatigue and serious complications, especially in infants under six months.
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of the fight against whooping cough, particularly to protect the most vulnerable populations. Mandatory for infants since 2018, the vaccination schedule provides for a series of injections from the age of two months, with boosters at four months, eleven months, six years and between eleven and thirteen years. At age 25, a booster is also recommended. For adults not vaccinated at this age, a catch-up is offered up to age 39.
Young adults, often asymptomatic or mildly affected, can become vectors of the disease, thus exposing infants not yet immunized. To counter this transmission, the vaccination schedule has been adapted, encouraging future parents to be vaccinated during preconception consultations. In addition, health professionals, early childhood professionals and medical students are encouraged to be vaccinated.
Wearing a mask is recommended
In addition to vaccination, barrier measures remain essential. Wearing a mask is strongly recommended for people with symptoms of respiratory infection. Although whooping cough is not mandatory, nosocomial or grouped cases must be reported to the ARS, especially in the event of death or occurrence in a community.
This vigilance is all the more crucial since whooping cough can cause fatal complications in the youngest. Health authorities are reminding people of the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to limit the spread of this highly contagious disease.
The ARS continues its awareness-raising efforts among the general public and health professionals. The priority is to protect at-risk populations and slow the spread of whooping cough in Occitania. It is imperative to remain vigilant and follow health recommendations to ensure everyone’s safety.
