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Return of Whooping Cough in France: “In babies, it can lead to asphyxiation,” warns doctor Damien Mascret
With five times more cases than in 2023, the whooping cough epidemic is breaking records in France. On the 20H set, Tuesday June 25, doctor and journalist Damien Mascret warns parents about this “highly contagious bacterial disease”, which can be fatal in infants.
(France 2)
With five times more cases than in 2023, the whooping cough epidemic is breaking records in France. On the 20H set, Tuesday June 25, doctor and journalist Damien Mascret warns parents about this “highly contagious bacterial disease”, which can be fatal in infants.
Whooping cough is making a comeback in France. Some 5,800 cases have been recorded in France since the start of the year, five times more than in 2023. Laboratories are overwhelmed with requests for PCR tests. Whooping cough can be serious, explains doctor and journalist Damien Mascret in 20 Heures on Tuesday June 25.
And for good reason, “It is a bacterial disease which is very contagious and which causes long coughing fits, particularly in babies, this can lead to asphyxiation”he elaborates. “We understand that there have already been 46 hospitalizations since the start of the year”points out Damien Mascret, adding that “four infant deaths” have already occurred. A single watchword to cope: vaccination. “Before six months, infants are not protected since they begin their vaccination schedule at two months”it is therefore necessary “for pregnant women to be vaccinated”, recommends Damien Mascret.
