175 are the confirmed new cases of whooping cough. Total for the country – the analysis for last week is still awaited, but it will be maybe a little over 280. This means that we have an epidemic situation, but it is still too early to talk about an epidemic. Prof. Iva Hristova, director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, stated this to the BNR.
“This means that we have quite a few patients who transmit the infection without even knowing it, i.e. they are either asymptomatic or have few symptoms and are atypical. We expect the incidence to increase in the coming weeks,” she emphasized and explained that there are currently epidemic outbreaks in certain collectives. According to her, currently the most cases are in the city of Sofia. There is whooping cough in Stara Zagora, Kyustendil, VarnaBurgas, she listed and summarized that over half the districts in the country have reported cases.
And at the moment, the prescriptions in our country are to examine which children have been dropped off, said Prof. Hristova and added:
“91-92% is the coverage for newborns at 2-3-4 months, when the first vaccination is given. Then it decreases. At 12 years old, it is already slightly below 90%. So, vaccinations are now being intensified in our country for these , which are omitted”.
The specialist again explained that this is the only reliable prevention and urged people not to avoid vaccination with any excuses, because it could cost children serious complications. She specified that even a vaccinated person can get sick with whooping cough, but he will get over it easily, and immunity from the vaccine is at least 10 years:
“Vaccination protects against disease. Second – if a disease does occur, it will be milder. Third – the carrier and the chance to transmit it to someone is much shorter”.
According to her, there are enough vaccines and active work is being done to administer them.
In the program “Before all”, Prof. Iva Hristova announced that most of the patients are children of school age. According to her, quarantining a class at school is a very effective way to stop the spread.
There are isolated cases of sick older people as well, she added and expressed her opinion: “The elderly are vaccinated with a reliable vaccine and have a stable immunity. I think it is not justified to vaccinate everyone at the moment.”
Prof. Hristova also noted that newborns have the highest risk of complications and death.
Also follow us on Google News Showcase to learn the highlights of the day!
