The surge of pertussis (whooping cough) cases has prompted Mexico's Secretary of Health to issue an urgent epidemiological alert. The notification, primarily addressing medical units and public health laboratories, highlights the necessity of monitoring and vaccination efforts to combat this contagious respiratory illness.
So far this year, there have been 120 confirmed cases of pertussis, reported across 21 states—an unsettling spike compared to just 15 cases during the same period last year. Nuevo León stands out, accounting for 24 confirmed cases, followed closely by Mexico City and Oaxaca.
According to health authorities, the surge can largely be attributed to the drop in vaccination levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted regular immunization programs. The Secretary of Health noted, "La tosferina se caracteriza por episodios intensos de tos que pueden dificultar la respiración, especialmente en niños pequeños y bebés," underscoring the serious nature of this disease, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
Pertussis is highly contagious and primarily affects young children, but can also affect adolescents and adults. Initial symptoms resemble those of the common cold, but can quickly escalate to severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, and even complications like pneumonia, especially in infants.
The three distinct phases of pertussis include:
- Catarrhal phase: Symptoms resembling mild respiratory infections, lasting one to two weeks.
- Paroxysmal phase: Severe coughing attacks characterized by the distinctive "whoop" sound upon inhalation.
- Convalescent phase: Gradual reduction of cough, but can last for weeks or even months.
The Secretary of Health is calling for vigilance and proactive vaccination initiatives, particularly focusing on children under one year old who are most at-risk for severe outcomes. The directive stresses, "Es urgente intensificar la vacunación en el peridomicilio de cada caso y en municipios de alto riesgo," as the best defense against pertussis outbreaks.
Health officials also recommend comprehensive hygiene practices to prevent the spread of pertussis, such as:
- Regular hand washing.
- Coughing or sneezing using the inner elbow.
- Disposing of tissues properly.
Parents and guardians are urged to check their children's vaccination records and to take them to the nearest medical unit if they are overdue for any vaccinations. The Secretary of Health has emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise: "En caso de presentar síntomas como tos persistente, fiebre o dificultad para respirar, es clave buscar atención médica inmediata," warning against the disease's potential severity.
This alert serves as both a reminder and urgent call to action for communities to prioritize vaccination and hygiene, aiming to minimize the risk of severe respiratory illness among the most vulnerable individuals. With collective efforts, health authorities hope to combat the resurgence of pertussis effectively.