Why has pertussis returned and is there a risk of an epidemic in our country – Healthcare – Bulgaria – Hello, Bulgaria

The week began with a new, significant increase in the number of people infected with whooping cough in our country. In the past seven days, confirmed cases have jumped by more than 50%.

Over 50% is the jump in the number of people infected with whooping cough in our country in the last week (OVERVIEW)

“The best vaccine is the one given. The mandatory immunization calendar provides when and how the immunizations are given. It is recommended to give a booster to pregnant women in the last trimester. Thus, the child that is born will be protected in the first two months of his life, when he cannot be vaccinated”. Dr. Gergana Nikolova, a general practitioner, commented on this in the “Hello, Bulgaria” studio.

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“We expect a quick decision from the authorities because the vaccine must be found by pregnant women. If we want to protect expectant mothers and children, let the state step up and provide the vaccine and make it free. We have to solve the problem state-wise”, she added.

Two babies are the first victims of whooping cough in our country

According to Associate Professor Snezhina Lazova, pediatric pulmonologist and pediatrician, pregnant women must be convinced that the vaccine is safe. She specified that early diagnosis is important for the disease. “The sooner treatment begins, the better.” With adequate antibiotic treatment, the patient is infected up to five days from the start of administration. Those who are not treated are contagious for two to three weeks – until they show symptoms,” said Lazova.

“There is a fear that the number of cases will increase. At the moment, it is not the seasonality of the disease. It is summer-autumn. Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infection that should not be underestimated. The highest risk of severe course is in the unvaccinated. For those who have been vaccinated, it depends on whether the entire vaccination schedule has been completed,” said epidemiologist Dr. Christiana Bacelova. And he specified that in Western Europe, additional revaccination doses are added at the age of 10.

Watch the whole conversation in the video.

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