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Health: the worst whooping cough epidemic in 25 years
In 2024, more than 130,000 cases of whooping cough will have been recorded in France, a record for 25 years. Infants are particularly vulnerable to this disease.
(France 2)
In 2024, more than 130,000 cases of whooping cough will have been recorded in France, a record for 25 years. Infants are particularly vulnerable to this disease.
Since the start of 2024, 20 infants under the age of one have died from whooping cough. The disease mainly affects their respiratory system. During each pregnancy, it is recommended to be vaccinated against whooping cough, which remains the best way to protect your child. The mothers “transmit immunity to the newborn”explains Professor Jacky Nizard, gynecologist-obstetrician at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital (AP-HP), who specifies that those around an infant must also be up to date with their vaccinations.
The whooping cough vaccine is compulsory at two months, four months and eleven months, with boosters at 6 years, between 11 and 13 years, then at 25 years. More than 130,000 cases have been recorded since the start of 2024, which represents the worst epidemic in 25 years. In pharmacies, patients crowd with their vaccination records to ask if they are up to date with their reminders. Whooping cough returns in epidemic waves every three to five years.
Watch the full report in the video above.
Update on whooping cough as of September 18, 2024 – Public Health France.
Vaccination recommendations from the High Health Authority
Vaccination in France. Assessment of vaccination coverage in 2023. Public Health France
Whooping cough | Vaccination Info Service
Non-exhaustive list