20 cases of patients with whooping cough have been identified since the beginning of March so far in Varna. 17 of the sick are children from different kindergartens and schools. There are three adults (one aged 38 and two aged 43) who fell ill in Varna, Dr. Anka Baeva, head of the “Anti-epidemic control” department at the Regional Health Inspectorate, reported to BNR-Radio.
Two cases were found in the Varna region – in Provadia and Beloslav.
The cases are unrelated, but every day at least one new one is registered, Baeva pointed out. There is also one case of a sick 20-year-old young man, she added.
In the cases from Varna the disease is relatively mild, as most patients are not diagnosed at the first symptoms, added Baeva. They were treated by their GPs with antibiotics. “Psometimes when parents see that their children are coughing for a long time, more than a month, they go and get tested themselves,” added the specialist. Several laboratories work with PCR tests for whooping cough.
In kindergartens or schools where there is a registered case of whooping cough, the patient is quarantinedand the children in the class or group stay under surveillance. Those who are not immune, however, should study online or stay at homeexplained Dr. Ana Baeva.
The first three cases of whooping cough in Varna were vaccinated, she added.
The disease begins with complaints of sore throat, fever and cough, which begins to deepen into an attack, during which a specific whistling sound is made. The cough can last 2-3 months, added Dr. Baeva.
Immunizations against pertussis are given in several stages, and adults who wish can buy a vaccine. “There are enough vaccines,” added Baeva.
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