Increased cases of whooping cough in the north

In Lower Saxony, the number of whooping cough cases has risen dramatically

11/11/2013

In Lower Saxony, a significant increase in whooping cough diseases can be observed, according to the current press release of Barmer GEK. The health insurance has according to own data „From 2006 to 2012 nationwide an increase in the number of cases from about 6,000 to 9,000 affected, ie by 50 percent recorded“ and „in Niedersachsen, the number of patients has risen from 500 to 909 by 80 percent.“ Although the offer of a free vaccination, the infectious disease is on the rise.

According to Heike Sander, the Lower Saxony state managing director of Barmer GEK, the actual childhood illness is increasingly being diagnosed in adults as well. However, unlike children, the disease is rarely accompanied by the wheezing coughing fits that originally gave the disease its name. Instead, those affected „usually tormented by a long-lasting, unceasing cough“ and sometimes, especially in the early stages of the disease, runny nose and flu-like symptoms appear, reports Barmer GEK.

Since fever is rather rare and if it is observed only with moderate temperatures in the adult whooping cough patients, those affected do not go immediately to the family doctor, which not only complicates the correct diagnosis, but also an increased health risk for the Affected and their environment bring with it. The adults who are suffering from whooping cough are highly contagious - especially for small children and babies, reports Barmer GEK. With them, unlike adults, the disease can even be fatal. Therefore recommend „The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute not only appropriate vaccinations in toddlers and preschoolers, but also the refreshing of vaccine protection in adults“, Heike Sander explained. This applies in particular to those who have close contact with an infant - ie parents, siblings and grandparents. (Fp)