Israel Faces Pertussis (Whopping Cough) Outbreak With Children At Risk. Tragic Death Of One Infant Reported So Far With Many Hospitalized
Pertussis Outbreak - Israel Jun 21, 2023 1 year, 5 months, 3 days, 15 hours ago
Parents Have To Beware That In This COVID-19 Era, Babies And Young Children Are Vulnerable To So Many Different Evolving Pathogens And Diseases Along With Compromised Innate Immunity Issues!
Pertussis Outbreak: Israel is grappling with an alarming outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, which poses a significant risk to children, particularly infants. With the recent death of a 10-week-old baby and a substantial surge in cases and hospitalizations, health officials are taking urgent measures to combat the spread of this preventable disease.
Jerusalem, along with other areas in Israel, has reported elevated pertussis activity, prompting widespread concern and a call for improved vaccination coverage.
The Israeli Ministry of Health has reported a staggering increase in pertussis cases, with over 210 cases recorded between January 1 and June 1, 2023. In comparison, the same period in 2022 saw only 17 reported cases, highlighting the severity of the current outbreak.
https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/06/israel-elevated-pertussis-activity-reported-in-multiple-areas-especially-jerusalem-through-early-june
Jerusalem, particularly the ultra-Orthodox communities, bears the brunt of this
Pertussis Outbreak, followed by cases in Tel Aviv. Health officials have identified lower vaccination rates in affected communities, contributing to the rapid transmission of the disease.
Pertussis: A Highly Contagious and Dangerous Disease
Pertussis, caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets. Infected individuals can transmit the disease through coughing, sneezing, or speaking. The symptoms typically manifest within 7-10 days of exposure, but in some cases, they may appear up to 21 days later. The initial stage presents with mild illness, including low-grade fever and occasional coughing, while the later stage can involve severe fits of rapid coughing, vomiting, and exhaustion. Infants and children up to 4 years old face the highest risk and experience the most severe symptoms.
Tragic Loss of an Infant and Vaccination Gaps
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Jerusalem, where a 10-week-old unvaccinated infant succumbed to whooping cough. The baby began showing symptoms at five weeks old, leading to hospitalization two weeks later. Tragically, the lack of vaccination against pertussis played a significant role in the infant's untimely death. The subsequent epidemiological investigation revealed that the mother was also unvaccinated, underscoring the importance of vaccination to protect vulnerable newborns.
Urgent Measures Implemented
In response to the escalating pertussis outbreak, the Israeli Ministry of Health has formulated a comprehensive plan to address the vaccination gaps. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure widespread vaccination amon
g unvaccinated children and pregnant women. Efforts include disseminating educational notices, extending well-baby clinic hours, and implementing mobile vaccination units to reach communities with lower vaccination rates. Additionally, pregnant women are strongly advised to receive the pertussis vaccination in their third trimester to safeguard their infants.
Collaborative Efforts and Expert Recommendations
Healthcare organizations and professionals in Israel have joined forces to combat the outbreak. The Israel Pediatrics Association and the Israeli Midwives Association have issued urgent appeals to government authorities, emphasizing the need for mobile vaccination units and advocating for pertussis vaccination for pregnant women. These recommendations align with international guidelines, which stress the crucial role of vaccination in preventing and controlling pertussis outbreaks.
Public Health Challenge
Israel faces a significant public health challenge with the outbreak of pertussis, especially in Jerusalem and other affected areas. The tragic loss of an unvaccinated infant highlights the urgent need for vaccination campaigns and increased awareness about the disease's severity. The collaborative efforts of health officials, medical practitioners, and community organizations are crucial in mitigating the spread of pertussis and protecting vulnerable populations. It is vital for individuals to seek vaccination and practice basic health precautions to prevent further cases and potential fatalities.
For the latest about the
Pertussis Outbreak in Israel, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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