The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has raised concern about the alarming increase in Pertussis cases in South Africa.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NICD said 147 cases have been recorded since the start of 2022 to September 15, with a steady increase in the number of cases reported since May and a sharp rise from July through August and September.
Of the 147 cases, the majority are said to be from Western Cape and 77% were children younger than five years. Eighty-nine children were younger than three years old.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Initial signs and symptoms are similar to common cold and may include nasal congestion, runny nose, mild sore throat, mild dry cough and minimal or no fever.
Days later, the cough can become more severe and characterised by episodes of paroxysms (violent and uncontrolled coughing that is exhausting and painful) followed by a whooping sound and/or vomiting after coughing.
Immunity following vaccination is thought to last for five to six years.
The NICD advises parents and guardians with children younger than five to vaccinate them and to seek medical assistance, especially for very young children, where the illness may be severe.
To read more on pertussis, click here:
https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/pertussis/
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