Public Health France confirms the start of a new epidemic cycle of whooping cough cases in the territory, particularly Occitanie.
After an initial call for vigilance in April 2024 concerning the resurgence of whooping cough in Europe and France during the first quarter, Public Health France confirmed the start of a new epidemic cycle on French territory, including Occitanie. While only a few clusters of cases were reported in certain regions at the beginning of the year, the entire territory is now affected by a significant increase in cases, all surveillance networks combined.
A highly contagious respiratory disease
Whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, which is extremely contagious. It is transmitted mainly by droplets emitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The spread is particularly rapid within families, daycare centers, schools, medico-social institutions, as well as in workplaces.
Serious complications in infants
Infants under 6 months of age, who are not yet fully protected by vaccination, are the most vulnerable to whooping cough. This infection can lead to severe complications, particularly pulmonary and neurological. Since the beginning of 2024, 17 deaths due to whooping cough have been reported in France. Of these deaths, 12 concern infants aged 1 to 2 months, who were not yet protected by vaccination.
Vaccination strategy: An essential bulwark
Since 2018, vaccination against whooping cough has been mandatory for children from the age of 2 months, with boosters scheduled at 6 years, 11-13 years and 25 years. Vaccination of pregnant women is strongly recommended, ideally between the 5th and 8th month of pregnancy. This precaution helps protect the newborn until he or she receives his or her first doses of vaccine.
Data shows that maternal vaccination quadruples the risk of pertussis in infants younger than 3 months, halves the number of hospitalizations and reduces the number of pertussis-related deaths by 95%. This measure is therefore of indisputable effectiveness and safety for the mother and her unborn child.
An epidemic on a European scale
The resurgence of whooping cough is not limited to France. On a European scale, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recorded 32,037 cases of whooping cough between 1 January and 31 March 2024, compared to 25,130 cases over the same period in 2023. This significant increase underlines the importance of prevention and control measures.
Whooping cough, although controllable by vaccination, remains a serious threat, especially for infants. The vaccination strategy in place, combined with increased awareness, is essential to limit the impact of this new epidemic wave.
