Surge in whopping cough cases recorded across the country
VOV.VN - Several localities nationwide have reported the reappearance of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, after many years, with the majority of patients being unvaccinated children or those not yet fully vaccinated.
According to details given by the Hanoi Department of Health, since the beginning of this year the capital has recorded 215 cases of whooping cough across 29 districts. Meanwhile, no cases were reported last year.
The Quang Ninh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital in the northern province of Quang Ninh also reported that over the past two months it had treated 13 cases of children with whooping cough.
Upon admission, they exhibited characteristic symptoms of prolonged coughing, high fever, and poor appetite. Among them were children under two months old, with this being an age group not yet eligible for the first dose in the Expanded Immunization Program.
Other localities, such as the northern provinces of Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, and the southern province of Dong Nai also recorded the reappearance of pertussis.
According to the National Children's Hospital, since the beginning of July the hospital's Tropical Disease Center has received nearly 400 children suffering from whooping cough. There are currently nearly 40 patients being treated, including one case involving a patient requiring a ventilator.
According to health experts, whooping cough is an acute respiratory infection which is caused by pertussis bacteria.
In order to protect themselves and their families, especially young children, doctors have advised the public to ensure full vaccination and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms appear.
If detected and treated early, pertussis has a better prognosis. However, delayed detection can also lead to severe complications.
