Especially dangerous for infants. Further whooping coughing case confirmed

Pertussis: more and more whooping cough cases

Whooping cough (pertussis) occurs throughout the year, but in autumn and winter, infections are generally more common. Currently, several cases of the disease, which can be particularly dangerous for infants, are reported from different regions of Germany. Health experts call for vaccination.

Several cases in northern Germany

Anyone who currently has a cough and runny nose and feels weak, thinks first of all, especially to have possibly contracted a cold or flu. Behind the complaints but could also be the highly contagious whooping cough (pertussis) stuck. The childhood disease, which also occurs in adults, occurs year round, but in the cold season, the infections are generally slightly more common. In some regions of the republic, more and more cases of illness are being reported, for example in the district of Segeberg.

In the north of Germany, several whooping cough cases have been confirmed in recent days. The highly contagious disease is especially dangerous for infants. Experts call for vaccination. (Image: absolutimages / fotolia.com)

No reason to panic

As reported by the district of Segeberg, the fourth whooping coughing case was confirmed by a doctor in Bornhöved / Trappenkamp. The four cases are intended to relate to three Community bodies in the region.

However, the health department of the district expressly points out that so far still no outbreak of the disease exists and there is no reason for the citizens to panic.

"The special thing about the situation is that so far we have not been able to establish any direct connection between the four infections," said Healthcare Director Dr. Boris Friick. "So there is no traceable chain of infection at the moment."

The expert also pointed out that the situation was not underestimated.

Lengthy dry cough

The infectious disease is particularly dangerous for infants, sometimes even life threatening.

The respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria initially leads to mild cold symptoms such as runny nose, coughing and weakness.

Later, a protracted, dry cough is typical. According to health experts, it comes to spasmodic coughing fits, which often end with a gasping intake of air.

The numerous coughing fits occur in many patients, mainly at night. Normally, an infection takes about four to six weeks.

According to medical experts, whooping cough can only be successfully combated with antibiotics in the early stages.

Contagiousness can last for several weeks

Transmission of the highly contagious disease "is by droplet infection, which can be done by close contact with an infectious person, by large droplets within a distance of up to about 1 meter by coughing, sneezing or speaking," explains the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on his website.

The incubation period is usually nine to ten days (range: six to 20 days).

"At the onset of the disease, the risk of infecting others is highest. Thereafter, the risk of infection decreases, but can last up to five weeks, "writes the Segeberg district.

The health director Dr. Friege warns of excessive uncertainty: "If you have signs of illness, you should see a doctor, as always. Without signs of disease, there is no reason to ask his doctor for a certain diagnosis, such as a smear test for pertussis diagnostics. "

Experts call for vaccination

Especially important is the provision. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends starting the vaccine against whooping cough, which consists of four vaccine doses, from the age of two months and completing it by the 14th month of life at the latest.

At the age of five to six and from nine to 17 years, the vaccine should be refreshed once each.

Also "All adults should be vaccinated once against pertussis", so the RKI. Not only to protect yourself from a disease, but also to protect other people from infection.

"This is especially important for infants," explain the experts. Because: "Infants can not be vaccinated against pertussis until the second month of age and have no natural nest protection against the disease. They are therefore dependent on the passive protective effect of immunizing the people around them. "(Ad)