“There are over 500 registered cases of whooping cough in the country (there were 4 in the same period last year), with over 90% being children. All pregnant women up to 36 weeks of gestation will be immunized for free,” said Health Minister Galya Kondeva on briefing.
“Each regional center will have immunization offices, we are ready for out-of-town and mobile ones as well. There are free vaccines, but they will start vaccinating after the holidays,” added the chief state health inspector Angel Kunchev.
Prof. Kunchev said whether an epidemic situation is being introduced because of whooping cough
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects the lungs and respiratory tract. It is also known as whooping cough. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 10 days after infection, but it can take as long as 21 days:
Initially, the symptoms resemble a common cold (sneezing, runny nose, mild fever and mild cough).
Within two weeks, the cough worsens and is characterized by numerous short-term coughs, followed by a specific inspiratory sound – a reprise. Attacks often result in the expectoration of a clear liquid, followed by vomiting. At first, symptoms occur at night, then increase during the day and can last up to one or two months.
In young infants, the typical respite may not be reached, and coughing fits may be followed by brief periods of respiratory arrest. After this phase, the attacks become less frequent and less intense, and the child’s condition gradually improves (which can take up to three months).
